vo. 



"THE GOLDEN CALF," 



A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS, 



BY 



ADOLPHE ROGE. 



NEV/ YORK : 



1876. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in tlie year 1876, 
by Adoli'HE Roge, in the Office of the Librarian of 
Congress, at Washington. 

AU rights reserved. 



THE GOLDEN CALF, 



A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS, 



BY 



ADOLPHE ROGE. 



NEW YORK; 



1876. 



'J: v<y 



/36M|f 



4^ ^V 



cA" 



■^ 



PERSONS. 



DELAWARE, Banker in New York 60 years. 

ARTHUR DE GRANVILLE, young Parisian author 25 yeara. 

KARLSHUMANN, Son of a Hamburg Banker 30 years. 

DOCTOR MATFIELD, (Albert,) Physician of Delaware Family.25 to 30 years. 

SCRAPEALL, (G. Wiggler,) a New York Lawyer 35 years. 

JACKSON, Cashier in the " Safe Deposit Company," friend of 

Shumann 40 to 45 years. 

TIMOTHY KNAPP, Rosa Delaware's lover -Minister 50 to 55 years. 

CHARLEY, Servant in the Delaware Family 30 years. 

POMPEY, Colored Servant in the Delaware Family 20 years, 

JOHN, Colored Seivant of Doctor May field 20 years. 

POLICEMEN, No. 1 and 2. 

MRS. DELAWARE, (Ruth,) Delaware's second wife— Step- 
mother of Ida 40 to 45 years. 

IDA DELAWARE, Daughter of Delaware 20 to 25 years . 

ROSA DELAWARE, Sister of Delaware 50 years. 

MRS. MAY FIELD. (Florence,) Doctor Mayfield's wife 20 to 25 years. 

JENNY, Ida Delaware's maid— her foster-sister 20 years. 

KETTY, Mrs. Mayfield's domestic 20 years. 

MAGGY, Cook in the Delaware Family 35 to 40 years. 

Guests. 



Cvv 










THE GOLDEN CALF. 



ACT FIRST. 



Scene: — A splendid parlor in Delaware's house, {New York). 
Doors: one C. — one R., two L.\ window li. — Jenny is 
seated in large aim chair, dustinrj -broom in hand. — Maggy lying 
on sofa. — Charley entering door (6'). A hat and shaivl on a 
chair. An album and desk on table {R). A broom in a 
corner. — 

Jenny. ) [^As Charley enters in a new livery.^ Ha, ha, 
Maggy. ^ ha, ha! 

Charley. [Angrily.'] See the livery she has rigged me in ! 

[Looks at himself in the glass.] 
Maggy. You look nobby, Charley) gorgeous ! 
Jenny. [Rises, turns Charley around ] look at the buttons, 

look at the gilding ! [Aside, returning to her seat.] These 

hide the misery of the rich ! 
Charley. [Angrily.] With my swallow tail coat and white 

choker, I already looked enough like a domestic. 

[Snatches a paper ; puts feet on table ; reads.] 



4 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Jenny. She is one of those who grows big by humbling 

the poor. 
Maggy. Don't cry, Charley; the harness don't make the 

donkey. [Laughs loith Jmny.~\ 
Charley. [Angrily.'] Don't laugh, some fine morning you 

will find yourselves sporting the French maid's cap. 
[Reads.] 
Jenny. Not I, since she tried to send me away — 
Maggy. Because you found her out ! 
Jenny. [To Charley.] She has nothing to do with me; I'm 

Miss Ida's maid, and her aunt Rosa pays my wages. 
Maggy [To Jenny.] I'll wager all her show costs the boss 

a pretty penny ! 
Jmny. What does she care, she never earned an honest 

cent. 
Maggy. And the poor man don't see that she is always 

spreeing with [with meaning] her friend Shumann. 
Jenny. Husbands are always the last to know what the 

servant is the first to see. 
Maggy. Yet she wants to marry him to Miss Ida. 
Jejmy. That's queer, but Miss Ida does not want him, 

anyway! I bet she likes that little Frenchman, we 

knew in Paris, better. 
Maggy. Did he love Miss, too? 
Jenny. Lor yes ! He used to give mo a new five franc 

gold piece every time I opened the door for him. 
Maggy. goodness ! If all the beaux did like that, we 

wouldn't let them ring so long, eh ? 

Jenny. How glad Miss Ida'd be if he'd only visit these 

parts. 
Maggy. Maybe he thinks she has a man ! [Aside.] In our 

days girls jump at them like cats at mice. 
Charley- Why not write to him ? 



ACT FIRST. 5 

Jenny. That's an idea ! {^All laujh.'] 

Charley. [Throtviny paper on tahle, prepares to write on desk.'] 

I'll do it for you. 
Mayyy. [Zauyhiny.] 0, but that's a caution ! 
Jenny. Now, what shall we say ? 
Charley. I have it. [ Writmy.'] Dear sir : 
Mayyy. [^Dictating.] Come this way — 
Jenny. [Dictatiny.\ She don't care — 
Maygy For old Shumann. {Laayhs.] 
Jenny. Go ahead, [irmy/w. ] 
Mayyy. Like a man. 

Charley. [ Writing ] Like a man. [ Writes.'] 
Jenny. [^JDidatiny.'] And everything — 
Mayyy. [Bictatiny.] AVill turn up — 

Mayyy. )[ Toy ether.] Eight. \_All laugh: Charley puts letter 
Jenny. ) in envelope.] 
Jenny. \_Dictatiny to Charley.] Mr. De Granville, St. Honor^ 

Street — 
Charley. [Writitiy.] Paris. [To Jemiy.] And the number ? 
Jenny. No matter. — 
Maggy. Such a nice young man must be known by all the 

town. 
Charley. [Calling out of window.] Pomp, put this in the 

letter box ! 
Jenny. [Startiny.] But! — What a silly girl I am ! Why 

yes, Mr. Delaware told us he died before we left Paris ! 
Maygy. The poor fellow ! 

Charley. Now what will become of that letter ? 
Jenny. Pshaw ! It will hunt him up in the other world. 

[Enter Pompey c. ] 
Pompey. [Laughing.] Ha, ha, ha, ha ! 
Maggy. What's the matter with you ? 
Jenny. Did you put that letter in the box ? 



6 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Pompcy. {^Laughing heartily.'] I did, but — [Lauyhs, point- 
ing to tvindow.'] ^A tioise of voices is heard from the street 

— all run to window.] 

Charley. the ladies of the Temperance Crusade ! [^All 
laugh and jump) about.] 

Jenny. Phew, what pushing. 

Pompey. [Laughi7ig.] Police, police ! [All laugh.] 

Maggy. Now for the club ! 

All. Oh, oh ! 

Charley. Miss Rosa is in the crowd ! \_All laugh — Pompey 
jumps about.] 

Pompey. She is running ! [All laugh heartily.] 

Maggy. Down she goes ! 

Charley. Here she comes ! 

Pompey. Mad as a hornet ! [All laugh ] 

Jenny. I'll get out of the way ! [All run of l. l.] 

[£nter Eosa, c] 

[ Out of breath — Ser dress torn — Shaivl on one side — Rat crushed 
— Parasol broken.] 

Rosa. Lost, lost ! Not one would close his den of iniquity ! 
0, my heart! [Sinks on a chair — Weeps.] They pushed 
me, they pinched me ! [Pause — Weeps.] How sad it is 
to be unprotected ! Timothy, Timothy, why have you 
left me to weep alone for twenty years ! [Taking a flask 
from bosom.] After my cuddling, my pampering ! And 
for an undertaker's wife already twice a widow ! It 
was all her fault that he took the ten thousand dollars 
from my brother's safe, while his cashier ! f Weeps — 
Drinks.] It takes widows to bewitch young men ! 
[Weeps.] Even in this house, my brother's wife dares to 
disturb my peace. [Rises] But she shall never trample 
on me. [EmiMes flask.] Never, never ! [Falls panting 
on chair.] 



ACT FIEST. 7 

\_Entcr Mrs. Dela.ware, c] 

\_She ivalks to winchic, loolcs out anxiously-. Rosa replaces flask 
quicMij in hosom — Coughs, moves her chair, etc., to attract Mrs. 
BeVs attention.] 

Rosa. It is a very warm day! [Eeceivinq no reply. \ It is 
extremely warm to-day ! 

Mrs. Del. [^In a disdainful tone.\ Yes, mam. 

Rosa. Hum, mam, mam ! When you kaow I am a single 
lady, only engaged ; can't expect better of a chamber- 
maid, obliged to outrage others' rights to find herself a 
home ! 

Mrs. Del. [^Leavijig window.] Go, leave my parlor ! 

Rosa. Go yourself, it is my brother's house ! 
\_JE71ter Delaware, c ] 

Del. Tut, tut ! What is the matter now ? 

Mrs. Del \_To Del.] I am insulted daily by your sister ! 

Rosa. ISobbing.] pi-otect me, brother, I am a martyr, 
roasted, ground, cremated in anticipation ! [Sobs, turns 
to leave, l.J 

Mrs. Del. Pish, crocodile tears ! 

Rosa. \Tarniny.] Crocodile hey ? — you old shark ! \_E.vit 

L.] 

Del. Enough, enough ! In mercy let me have peace ! Ever 
the same scenes, the same noise, not a moment of 
happiness ! Turn where I will, I meet discord in my 
house or disaster in my business ! 

Mrs. Del. {Sitting near talle.] The news from Europe is 
then no better ? 

Del. Why no, my position in Hamburg becomes daily 
more grave ; most happily I have reserved, as a last re- 
source, my real estates by placing them in your name. 

Mrs. Del. Except this house ! 

Del. I thought I could save it for Ida, but I have been 



8 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

obliged to put it in the lawyer's hands for sale, as this 

week I must send a remittance to Shumann who is 

growing impatient ; fortunately he does not yet exact 

the full settlement of my account. 
Mrs. Del. What a pity Ida is so unkind to his son Avho is 

devoted to her ! 
Bel. Their marriage would give me such perfect security 

in my affairs ! 
Mrs. Del. Perhaps Ida has some one in view, she is so un- 

confiding. 
Del. Pshaw, nobody. 
Mrs. Del. Sh-e is inseparable from that Mrs. Mayfield who 

looks, to me, very deceitful. 
Del. She has wealthy relations and will recommend them 

to bank with us. 
Mrs. Del. Then, of course, we must cultivate her ; but Ida 

has singular taste for a young lady of our standing ; 

remember her fancy for that scribbler in Paris. 
Del. She thinks no more about him since I made her be- 
lieve I had received news of his death 

Mrs. Del. By my advice ; but Shumann, the son of a rich 

banker, would be for her a brilliant match. 
Del. Yet, unfortunately, she does not care for it. 
Mrs. Del. Because you have no will with her, and she 

takes advantage of you, refusing to gratify your wishes 

and hurrying on your ruin. 
Del. She does not know my situation. 
Mrs. Del. Inform her of it, for it is her duty to aid you and 

she will have a large fortune at her disposition as soon 

as she is married. 
Del, She is yet ignorant of her mother's will- 
Mrs. Del. I hardly believe it, anyhow show it to her. 
Del. {^Repugnantly. '\ I will. {Aside.'] Though it condemns 

me, and reproach from the dead is frightful ! 



ACT FIEST. 9 

Mrs. Bel. 0, if I could talk to her ! but" since I became 
your wife, she scarcely ever addresses me, notwithstand- 
ing my efforts to be to her a second mother. [ Weeps.'] 

Del. \_Carressing her.'\ Do not be discourrged, dear, little 
by little you will become good friends yet. \_Lools at 
his ivatch.'] I must finish my letter and go down town. 

\^Exit Imrriedhj, c] 

Mrs. Del. Shumann's father has cleverly engaged Dela- 
ware in a train of mock speculations from which nothing 
can extricate him; he will soon be an utter wreck; the 
best I can do is to hasten his downfall that I may profit 
by it, while he believes he still possesses the deed of 
re-conveyance ho took good care to exact from me, 
before placing his property in my name ; but I found 
and destroyed it. [^Pmise.'] Stupid Shumann, he is 
never punctual, and he knows I expect him. [^Door 
hell rings. — She looks out of tvmdow. — Coming down:] It 
is Scrapeall, never mind, I better see him first. [Sits 
qicicJclg near table and looks over a book.] 
\_Enter Scrapeall, c ] 

[A large portfolio under his arm.] 

Scrapeall. [Bowing profuselg.] Mrs. DelaAvare, your most 

■ devoted servant ! 

Mrs. Del. Well, sir — how goes your business with my 
husband ? 

Serapeall. Dull, dear lady, very dull; yesterday I only 
picked up three new depositors and they were miserably 
small ones. 

Mrs. Del. [Taming leaves of book.] Perhaps you neglect us. 

Scrapeall. You, such old friends ! I go around drumming 
every day, praising the security of the firm Delaware, 
the interest it pays, etc., all for nothing ; it is by luck, 
only I find a few old workingmen or mothers who have 



10 THE GOLDEN GALE. 

some savings to invest, but the ricli, to day, buy real 
estate 

Mrs. Bel. [Rising.'] Apropos! [Lowerinj voice.'] Have you 
concluded the sale of the property ? 

Scrajwall. Mr. Shumanu has already received the proceeds 
and, he tells me, converted them into — 

Mrs. Bel. P^ive-twenties ? [Affirmative nod from Scrapedl.] 
Correct; but Mr. Delaware has intrusted you with the 
disposal of this house — 

Scrapeall. I am about to announce to him that I have been 
offered a hundred thousand dollars for it — 

Mrs. Bel. Say that you have not founil any purchaser. 
[Gives him a bribe.] 

Scrapeall. [Putting money in jyoclcet.] Money is so scarce ! 
Nobody can deny that. 

3frs. Del. Go to Mr. Shumann's office, he will buy it 
for eighty thousand 

Scrapeall. [Bi low voice.] Eor you '? 

Jfrs. Del. Of course ! — Be discreet 

Scrapeall. My speciality is to protect the weaker sex ! 

Mrs. Del. Have you prepared the little deed I spoke 
about? 

Scrapeall. [Talcimg deed from portef olio.] Dear lady here it 
is, already signed by two witnesses, " time is money ! " 
[lleadiiig deed.] " Eight days after my marriage with 
" Miss Ida Delaware, I promise to pay to the order of 
" Mrs. Walter Delaware, two hundred and fifty thousand 
" dollars, value received before witness." — It now only 
requires Mr. Shumann's signature. [ Voices heard at 
door.] 

Mrs. Del. [Putting deed in pocket.] Very well, go up to Mr. 
Delaware. 

Scrapeall. [Talcing hat and portef olio.] Dear Madam, good- 
bye ! [At door.] Hallo Shumann ! [Exit c] 



ACT FIRST. 11 

[Eider Shumanx, c] 

Shumann. [Near door.] Hallo Scrapeall ! [Comes down.'] 

3frs. Del. [Lowering voice.] I am waiting for you, un- 
grateful creature ! 

Shumatm. [Putting arm around her loaist.] Do not reproacli 

me, you know I Avish you were never out of my sight ! 

Mrs. Del. S'sh ! — The walls in this house have ears ! — I 
have obtained my husband's consent to pay the check 
you so imprudently forged in his name 

Shumann. And he gave it to you ? 

3Irs. Del. I have it; so there is nothing to fear from that 
quarter. 

Shumann. [Pressing her hand.] I thank you ! [Kisses her 
hand.] 

Mrs. Del. Be quiet I tell you, the slightest imprudence 
may cost me dear ! 

Shumann. The loss of a husband wrapped up in his busi- 
ness and already ruined will restore the lover who 
adores you ! 

Mrs. Del. My deaf boy, love without money is a mere 
chimera and your father's allowance of three thousand 
a year would never make a woman's happiness. 

Shumann. Tush ! I expect to be a partner in the house 
before long, then I promise you a life of pleasure with 
all the surroundings of a luxurious existence ! 

3Irs. Del. You will change your mind when you possess 
Ida, young, beautiful and rich. 

Shumann. Pooh ! A marriage of convenience : the day 
that you leave your husband, Ida will be only too happy 
to part with me forever. [Puts arm around her tvaist.] 

3Irs. Del. [While in his arms, lowering voice.] O eloquent 
enticer ! Wait a little longer [with meaning] and we will 
see what we can do. 



12 THE GOLDEN GALE. 

Shwnann. At last ! [Kisses her hand. \ 

Mrs. Del. \}Vhile in Shumann^s arms.^ Have you not my 
five-twenty bonds ? 

Skimann. to be sure ! [Searches in pocket.'] I forget 
every thing when I am near you! [Givinj her papers.'] 
This is the sum total of all the sales effected by your 
lawyer. 

3Irs. Del. [TFith meaninj, piitting papers in pocket] Thank 
you, I'll pay you for it — I have another service to ask 
of you. 

Shwnami. Granted ! 

Mrs. Del. My lawyer will be at your office to-day about 
the sale of this house, buy it on my account and bring 
me the deeds of transfer in my name as soon as possible. 

Shwnann. AVith pleasure ! 

Mrs. Del. Give eighty thousand, it will leave me a balance 
with your father of 

Shumanr,. Two thousand five hundred. [Answering a look 
ofdonhtfrom Mrs. Del.] That's all, Delaware grows 
fearful, his orders for the sale of the French loan are 
unimportant, you ought to stimulate him more. 

31'rs. Del. I have to be prudent, but rely on me. 

Shumann. [Taking her hand tenderly.] And you on my sin- 
cerity ! 

3Irs. Del. Delaware is greatly worried ; he has just been 
speaking again about his business ; I profited by the 
occasion and made him comprehend that it is Ida's 
duty to help him amend his position with your father. — 

Shumann. Useless, I have seen the will, even the interest 
of her fortune must be capitalised while she remains 
single. 

3Irs. Del. Yes, and in case of death all goes to an orphan 
asylum ; her mother thought that if Ida was forced to 



ACT FIRST. 13 

remain with her father he would be ashamed to impose 
my society on her. [Aside.] Like the majority of 
wives, she did not know her husband ! [Aloud.} Should 
she marry, though, she will give all to [pointing to hini] 
her beloved ! 

Shiimann, To be sure ! I sent for her by the domestic who 
opened the door for me. 

Jfrs. Del. That is well, I will retire when she comes. 
• [J^??i!«- Charley, c] 

Charley. Miss Ida begs Mr. Shumann will excuse her, as 
she is indisposed. [Exit c] 

Shumann. Always, of course, when I ask for her ! 

Mrs. Del. Mere girlish coquetry, she holds the sugar plum 
high to make it sweeter when you get it ; I will speak 
to her father again and he will bring her to the mark. 

Shmann. With difficulty ! 

Mrs. Del. Then she must leave my house. 

Shumami. [Regretfully .} With her aunt who has an inde- 
pendent fortune ! 

3Irs. Del. That is why I advised you to get Jackson to 
write to Eosa under the name of Timothy Knapp, and 
announcing his speedy return. [Both laujh.] 

Shumann. [Lauyhing .} He told me this morning that he 
had done it. 

Mrs. Del. Already! — The letter will be here to-day. [They 
laugh.'] 

Shumann. I furnished him all the details necessary to his 
part. 

Mrs. Del. I will persuade my hubbie to pardon him for 
stealing the ten thousand dollars when he was his 
cashier. [They laugh.'] 

Shimann. As soon as he closes his fingers on Eosa's for- 
tune, Ida will have to resign herself to starvation or— 



14 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Mrs. Del. To marry you ! \^Both Imigh.'] — \^Aside.'\ Unless 

she falls as low as I have done ! [^Alotul.'] When you 

are alone with Delaware, speak of a certain right you 

have to her hand, [with meaning, '\ you understand ? 
Skiimami. That's a happy suggestion ! 
Mrs. Del. Do not waste time, she may not be long without 

suitors ! 
Shumann. Anybody would be glad \_aside^ I the first, [aloucT] 

to pocket over a million ! \_Rosa is seen listening at the 

door.'\ 
Mrs. Del. [^Talcing 2Japer from 2^oc]cet.'] Minus my share ! 
Shumann. It is a bargain, twenty-five per cent, on the 

whole amount of her fortune, my word is worth my 

bond. 
Mrs. Bel. Of course, but, merely for the sake of regularity, 

I have had this little deed prepared wbich only needs 

your signature. 
Shumann. Wait until the wedding ! 
3Irs. Del. Ah no, you can hope for nothing without my 

intervention ! 
Shiimann. Wait, at least, until Ida and I are engaged. 

\_Rosa is seeti listening at door.\ 
Mrs. Del. Fear nothing on that score ; when we left for 

Europe I promised to bring her back to you single, and 

you see, I kept my word, although she was engaged to 

a young Frenchman, noble, rich and quite good looking, 

I can tell you, however, if you regret [^seems about to de- 

strog paper] let us talk no more about it. 
Shumann. Not at all, not at all ! \_Signs deed.'] There it 

is. \^Gives deed to Mrs Del.] The thing is decided! 

[J/rs. Del. noticing door c open, closes it.] 
Mrs. Del. \_Comi7ig down.] My husband is coming you 

better retire for a while, I prefer seeing him alone ; come 



ACT FIRST. J 5 

back directly and you shall meet your lady love. \_They 
laugh.'] 

Shimami. {^Shaking hands.] I will, [going tip] au revoir ! 
[J^xit c] 

Jfrs. Del. [Pause — counting on her fingers.] With the pro- 
ceeds of the real estate, this house, my share in the 
profits of Shumann on Delaware and my quarter on 
Ida's million after her marriage, I shall be rich enough 
to command respect in spite of my past ; then I will get 
rid of him and his family who wish to cast me back 
into the dirt; they shall find out what sort of a woman 
they have to deal with ! [Pause.] He said his daughter 
would become my friend, the fool ! If she despises me, 
I detest her ! Ah, girl, you do not know how a woman 
can hate, especially a woman, who, after losing her best 
years struggling against shame and the frowns of the 
world, wins her point, makes her fortune and feels in- 
dependent ! [Patcse.] It would be imprudent to keep 
[pointing to papers, loncls, etc.,] all this here, I better 
leave them at the " safe deposit company." [Goes up 
stage — meets Delaware.] 

[Enter Delaware, c ] 
[Coming down ivith Del.] I was waiting, dear, to go with 
you to your office, before making a shopping tour on 
Broadway. [Puts on hat and shawl.] 
■Bel. [Sits before table looking at jmpers.] All right, wait a 
few minutes. 

Mrs. Del. If Ida would go out with me, an airing every 
morning would be so good for her, poor dear ! 

Del. [Dxamining pajiers.] She don't appreciate your kind- 
ness, let her have her own way. 

Mrs. Del. Even against her own interest ! — Awhile ago 
she again refused to see Mr. Shumann 



16 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Del. \_Starting .'] This morning ? [^Rises.'] 

Mrs. Bel. ISighing.'] Yes ! 

Del. It 13 positively rude, slie will cause a breach between 
the father, and me. 

Mrs. Del. He was very much wounded and 

Del. Why, of course ! 

Mrs. Del. I did my best to reassure him but 

Del, I will speak to her to-day, immediately! [^Goes 
towards door c] 

Mrs. Del. [Stops him.] Do not be too severe, only show 
firmness, as she has played such a part with Mr. Shu- 
mann that even I dared not tell you about it. 

Del. What have I yet to learn ? 

Mrs. Del. 0, it is useless to torment you, but Ida ought to 
repair the wrong she has done, or leave our house. 
[Finishes imtting on hat.'] 

Del. [Aside.] Have I not yet drained the chalice to the 
dregs ! 

' [Enter Chauley, c] 

Charley. The carriage is ready ! 

Mrs. Del. [Imperiously.] Very well ! Tell Miss Ida that 
her father wishes to see her instantly. [Ejcit Charley, c] 
[To Del.] Good-bye, dearest ! [Einlraces him.] I shall 
stop at your office on my way home. [Exit c] 

Del. I have enough cares already without Ida trying to 
make trouble for me with Shumann ; the news from 
France is worse and worse, gold is still more abundant 
in that confounded country, while the financial crisis in 
Germany intensifies day by day ; it is discouraging ! 
[Sits 7iear tahle.] 

[Enter Ida, r.] 

Ida. [Eimniny to Del.] Dear father, you want me ? [Throw- 
ing arms ahout his neck.] How careworn you look I 



ACT FIEST. 17 

Del. Not without cause ! I want to talk to you in refer- 
ence to Mi\ Shumann. \_Id(Cs arms drop from I) dh necJc.l 
Your conduct towards him does not please me, you shun 
his society, you refused to see him this morning, I am 
sure he feels hurt. 

Ida. I was not well : anyway, I ought to tell you, papa, 
that his visits give me no pleasure. 

J^d. Why so ? He is in every respect eligible, already 
his father's agent here, he will soon be his partner and 
some day will be immensely wealthy. [Rises.] 

Ida. I do not desire a brilliant role in the world. 

Del. But it is time you thought of marrying ; the life you 
lead seems to me anything but agreeable, and I must 
now let you tnow that your marriage makes you heiress 
to all your mother's fortune. 

Ida. Poor dear mother ! [Aside.'] She hoped love and 
wealth would end my sorrows ! [Aloud.] Father, while 
you are with me I am satisfied, if you are 

iJel. Ida, T am. not happy ; my business gives me cause 
for serious inquietude. 

Ida. If I could only help you, papa ! 

Uel. So you can, my dear, and easily. 

Ida. Oh ! Then I will ! 

Del. Good, my child, listen : I sold short in Hamburg an 
immense sum of the French war loan before the 

emission — 

Ida. Mr. Shumann induced you to doubt the credit of 
France ? [Rosa is seen listening at door, c] 

Del. No one had any idea of her wealth, of her power of 
recuperation ! However, Shumann believes with me, 
that the war against France must soon reopen, and 
sure of victory for the Germans, he keeps retarding our 
settlement ; in the meanwhile I pay heavy differences, 



18 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

and if he wished to ballance accounts to-day, I should 
be completely ruined. — There, in this [)Osition I ask you 
to save me by marrying his son. 

Ida. {^Starting.'] What, father, you propose to a young girl, 
to your daughter; such barter ! — What, you would see 
your child selling her body to save your money ! 
\_Pause.'\ Poor father ! When an angel, my mother, 
filled our homo with devotion and purity, when we 
lived more simply but enjoyed real happiness, your 
thought started from a more exalted sphere, your taste 
was above mere material enjoyment, and our luxury 
was in charity ! How all this has changed ! But 
your heart is still good, I trust to it to recall you to 
yourself, my father I 

Del. {^Paiise.'] What reason have you, my child, for refus- 
ing the son of my best friend ? 

Ida. I do not love him. 

Del. A mere whim ! — Why not ? 

Ida. We often love without a reason, it is the same when 
we do not love. 

Del. You refuse, Ida ! \^Ida weeps — paiise.^ Ungrateful 
child, it is, then, in vain that I appeal to your affectloa ! 

Ida, Since your marriage — 

Del. Silence ! — I know you desire to turn me against my 
virtuous wife, the only one who sympathizes with my 
suffering. 

Ida. {^Weeping.'] I do too, papa. 

Del. Prove it then ! 

Ida. Not by such means ! 

Del. How such means ? — Despite that mock modesty, 
your conduct with Mr. Shumann has been such, I have 
learned, \answering Ida's hole of astonishment^'] yes, such 
as ought to make you consider an engagement with him 
fortunate. 



ACT FIEST. 19 

Ma. [Grasping Befs hand.] I, father ? 

Del \_I)rawing hand away Inisquehj .'] Do not try to deceive 
me, you sliould blusli at such unseemly behavior ! 

Ida. Oh, father. \ Weeps.'] 

Bel. Since your mother — 

Ida. Papa, stop in pity or I retire ! 

Del. \_Se>zing her hi/ the atm.] No, remain, I am determined 
to finish with this subject ; let mo see no more of your 
scornful grimaces towards my wife, nor again hear that 
Mr. Shumann has to complain of you You have 
trailed in the mire a name until now respected ; all this 
must change or you go elsewhere, and seek another 
roof to hide your infamy! \_Ida sinks weeping iqjon 
sofa — Voices heard outside, Del. looks towards door, coming 
down, lowering voice.] It is Dr. Mayfield and his wife, 
tell them you have been sick this moruing. \_Ida 
wipes away tears.] 

\_Enter Doctok and Mes. Mayfield, c. Doctoe converses 

toiih Del.] 
Mrs. May. \_Gaily kissing Ida.] Dear, I have come to see 

your papa about a banking operation! [Notices Ida's 

sad air.] You have been crying ? 
Ida. I am suffering. [Shakes hands and converses with Dr. 

Jlayfiell] 
Bel. [To Mrs. May.] I hope, dear madam, you will excuse 

me, this is steamer day. 
Mrs. May. Certainly, only one word first ; The capital of 

our Orphan Asylum is invested at seven per cent., now 

I must have ten. 
Del. Certainly, dear friend, you shall have it. [Ida listens.] 
Mrs. May. [To Ida.] Ah ! Here is a good little papa ! I 

wish he was mine, I'd kiss him [To Del., taking paper 

from pocket.] I w^as so sure of your benevolence that 



!>0 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

I brought our twenty thousand dollars to your order. 

{Gives check to Del.^ ivho puts it in pocket.^ 
Ida. [Starts forward, but is stopped ly an angry look from Del.] 

[Aside. I Oh, my God ! 
Del. [Shakiny hands with Doctor and Mrs. ^lay.] Now busi- 
ness before pleasure. [To Mrs. May ] Of course it is for 

you only I do this. 
Mrs. May. And for our poor who will bless you. [Del. 

turns to leave, Mrs. May catches him by arm.] I forgot ! 

what am I to carry off for the benefit of our fair : A 

table, piano, horse, shoes, coat ? 
Dr. May. [Apart to Ida.] She has left me just what I 

have on ! 
Del. [To Mrs. May.] I will send you something [Aside.] 

It pays well. 

[I^xit, c] 
[Cries heard from Rosah chamber, i.] 
[Miter EosA, out of breath, dress in disorder, a letter in hand 

which she gives to Dr. May field, falls half fainting on sofa.] 
Rosa. Help, Doctor, help ! [All rush forward and fan her.] 
Dr. May. [Feeling pulse ^ A palpitation of the heart ! [Looks 

at Rosa^s letter.] 
Mrs. May. [Reading over her husbamVs shoulder.] " My angel, 

my sweet, 1 will soon be at your feet — Your repentant 

Timothy." 
All. [Congratulating Rosa.] Ah, ah ! [Mrs. May. and Ida 

converse.] 
Dr. May. [Giving letter lack.] Miss E,osa accept my sincere 

congratulations. [Going.] 
Rosa. [Agitatedly.] Stay, Doctor, stay ! [Doctor sits near 

her on sofa.] Excuse my dishabille, I was watering my 

flowers when I received this heavenly message ; I must 

speak to you immediately, I have not a minute to lose ! 



ACT FIRST. 21 

Dr. May. In regard to your health ? 

Rom. Yes, Doctor, \ai)art\ I am not in condition for a 

bride ! \I)octor starts.'] I am so thin ! [ Wipes tears 

away.'] 
iJr.May. [^.s/fl'(^'.] A characteristic of old maidism. {^AJoud.] 

Some people never get stout — 
Rosa. Doctor, I am naturally plump, full of dimples, but 

they all vanished with Timothy. [ Weeps.] 
Dr. jSIay . Eat rare meat, drink a little invigorating 

cordial 

Rosa. \Startiny.] no liquor for me, Doctor, I, an apostle 

of temperance ! 
Dr. May. Only a teaspoonful daily. 
Rosa. I will try for Timothy's sake. 

Dr. May. [ Risiny.] Who will bring back all the charms — 
Rosa. [^Aioart, with modesty.] Of yore ! — I feel it Doctor ! 
Dr. May. You see ! {^Extends hand — Rosa detains him.] 
Rosa. [Mysteriously.] This is not all ; but I must be 

strictly alone with you. 
Dr. May. [Starting.] Indeed ! 

Ida. So, aunty, we leave you — [Rises with Mrs. May field.] 
Mrs. May. [Going up stage with Ida.] To my husband's 

care — You know I mean to have your parrot for the 

fair. 
Rosa My polly ! — To-day for the first time she said the 

name of Timothy ! [Exeunt Mrs. May. and Ida laughing.] 
[Doctor sits on sofa near Rosa. 
Rosa. [Moves to end of sofa as if frightened at JJuetor, aside.] 

He is so young, I hardly dare trust him ; Doctors are 

all such flirts ! 
Dr. May. [Aside.] Eather ripe for a chaste Susanah ! 

[Aloud ] What can I do for you. Miss Eosa ? 
Rosa. [Coming nearer Doctor.] I wish you would inquire 



22 THE GOLDEN GALE. 

whether, at the emission of the French war loan, Mr. 

Shumann, banker in Hamburp:, was buyer or seller ; it 

must be known in financial circles ? 
Dr. May. Assuredly ; I will write to that purpose to an 

intimate friend of mine in Europe. — \_Titey I'ise.] 
Rosa. And let me know the answer as soon as possible. 

\_Goin(/ up staye tvith Dr. May.'] It is a secret between 

us — 
Dr. May. \_Near door, c. Shakiny hands.] Which shall be 

well kept. \_E.vit c. l.] 
Rosa. \ Comes down pressing her letter against her heart — sits on 

sofa — reads it over toiih emotion.] '• My angel, my sweet ! 

■ — T will soon be at your feet ! — Your repentant Timo- 
thy " ! — [ICisses letter.] Short, but to the point ! 
[Unter Mrs. Delaware and SnuMANN, c, lauyhiny.] 
Rosa. \_Starting.] Good gracious ! \_Runs off adjusting her 

garments, l.J 
Jlrs. Del. [To Shumann.] Did you see old E,osa ? 
Shumann. [Laiighmy.] Reading Jack's — I mean Timothy's 

letter. 
3frs. Del. What a pity he is so bald ! \_Laughs.] 
Shumann. [Laughing.] A wig will make a capital Timothy 

of him ! 
3Irs. Del. After twenty years of longing, she would throw 

herself into the arms of the first who presented himself 

under that name. [They laugh.] Does Jackson consent 

to pay us a commission ? 
Shumann. Of fifty per cent., and too happy to do it at that; 

I broke him at play last night, it is a chance for him to 

refill his pocket ! [They lauyh.] 
Mrs. Del. Now do you want to see Ida ? 
Shumann. Certainly, let us start the game. 
Mrs. Del. I'll have her called down in your name, you 

shall see how quickly she will come. [Axit c] 



ACT FIEST. 23 

Shumann. [Tabs seat near talk, turns leaves of photographic al- 
Inm.] All the blessed family ! Eosa ! [Lauyhs.] Good 
looking, but its long ago, Jackson will take charge of 
her and her cash! [Turns a lea/.] Delaware! Pop 
has a splendid hold on him ! [Turns a leaf.] Ah, Ida ! 
Always the same cold, haughty air ; I'll soon bring her 
down. 

[Enter Ida, r.] 
Shumann. Dear Ida ! [Leads Ida near sofa.] 
Ida. How do you do Mr. Shumann ? [Ida sits on a chair, 

Shumann on sofa ] 
•Shumann. I am glad to see you yield, at last, to my solici- 
tations, for you appeared to avoid me. 
Ida. What a strange idea ! I know that your father has 
for mine, the kind consideration of a true friend, then 
surely I can only entertain for you the same feeling — 
Shumann. speak no more of friendship between us, it 
should only make easier, warmer, another sentiment 
which your beauty inspires, but which, alas, your heart 
ignores ! [Drops on his knees.] do not let me longer 
si"-h in vain, I offer you a sincere heart, my hand, my 
fortune, and a life of ineffable happiness ! 
Ida. [Hesitating.] If I was to tell you that I love you,— 

that I accept you [Rising— coming down stage with 

Shumann.] Listen : I prefer to speak to you on this 

subject in my father's presence 

Shumann. 0, I am the happiest of men !— I thank you, my 
Ida! [ Throws his arm around her ivaist — Ida shrinks with 
disgust— Shumann seems to think it shgncss on account of the 
entrance of Eosa.] 

[Enter Eosa, i.] 
[EurriedJg places herself between them, looking at Shumann men- 
acinglg.] 



24 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Shumann. \^Aside.^ What an old pest ! 

Ida. [Apart to Rosa.] I am so glad you have come ! [They 
converse.] 

Shumann. [Aside] What the devil does she want here? 
[Apart to Ida.] Our sweet tete-d-tefe is, unfortunately, 
interrupted, my Ida ! [Aside.] It is a complete con- 
quest ! [Aloud, throwing her a kiss.] Au-revoir, and it 
shall be soon, my dai'ling ! [Exit c] 

Ida. [Aside.] What impertinence ! 

Rosa. I knew he Avas here, so I came to relieve you of his 
importunity. 

Ida. Dear aunt, you did right ; 1 came in to see him to 
please father, who reproaches me for being ungrateful 
towards his family. 

Rosa. She puts all that into his head ; but have you given 
him any encouragement "? I saw him — [Imitates Shu- 
mannas manner of kissinr/ hand.] I never allowed such 
liberties to anybody but Timothy ! 

Ida. I wished to say that by accepting his hand and 
admitting that I love him, I should deceive him ; I re- 
quested to speak of this before father, in order that he 
might deny the horrible accusations somebody has made 
against me ; his actions on leaving shoAved me that 
his vanity saps what little intelligence T thought he 
possessed. 

Rosa. You reassure me, but beware ! 

Ida. There is nothing to fear, aunty 

Rosa. Nothing to fear ! — Poor child ! — This morning I 
heard a conversation, between her and him, which real- 
izes all my suspicions ; they Avant to make you the 
instrument and victim of an infernal scheme, in which 
your father also is to be inveigled ! 

Ida. Father also ! 



ACT FIRST. 25 

Eosa. Nothing is too bad for a creature, who, while your 
mother's servant, recoiled before no infamy to obtain 
an impure hold over your father ; for her who hilled a 
benefactress with grief that she might take her place 
and play a part in society ; it is she who introduced 
into our house this disgraceful luxury to feast her inor- 
dinate vanity ! — Indeed, it is she who corrupts my 
brother's heart day by day, with the dream of a sudden 
and exaggerated fortune, seldom acquired without 
crime! \^Pausc.\ Beware Ida. [Gomrj up staf/e.] I 
tell you, beware ! [Krii, l] 

Ml. AVhat am I to think of all this? Those surrounding me 
exhale wrath and hate ! I have but entered the world 
and I already know all its sorrows; where is that 
mythical path of life strewn with flowers ! — father, why 
rob me of the sweet illusions of my youth ; why was you 
the first to unvail to me shame and vice, you, the author 
of my days ! — Dear mother, from your haven of rest, 
pour into my sinking soul some holy consolation ! 

\_Enter Shtjaiann, Miis. Delaware, Delaware, c] [^Verij 

All. [^Advancing towards Ida.'] Ho, ho ! Ho, ho ! 

Shumann. \_Taking Idah hand.'] Waiting for me, my angel ! 
\_Converses gaily ivith Z>el.] 

Mrs. Del [To Ida, pressing Iter in her arms.] Is it not better 
to be friends like this ? Permit me to congratulate 
you. [Replying to Ida's hole of stupefaction.] I know 
all about it, little Miss Mystery, we met Shumann and 
he was so overjoyed that he told us all ; he is wild wifh 
delight ; you couldn't have chosen a better husband. 
[Converses with Shumann] 

Del. [Taking Ida in his arms.] I thank you my child ! [ IVhis- 
pers^ You have saved me. [Aloud, taking Shumann in 



26 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

his arms with Ida"\ What happiness for every one of us, 
above all for your father who blesses you my children ! 
[Shumann crosses to the left of Ida and talces her hand tenderly — 
Del. crosses to Mrs. Del. and converes with her.'] 

IJEnter Eosa, l ] 

[Places herself hetiveen Ida and Del.] 

Rosa. [Apart to Ida.] Have you given in to them, Ida ? 

Ida. [Starting^ talces hand away from Shumann.~\ Am I 
dreaming ? horrible nightmare ! [To Shumann.] 
Desist ! [Replying to Del^s angry hole.] Your anger, 
father, can only afflict me, but there is a power within, 
which enables me to bear suffering ; it is a conscience 
at peace, sustained by a pure love, that death itself has 
not overcome ? 

Shumann. [Aside.] Bah ! No getting rid of those French- 
men. 
Ida. The tears I still shed to his memory should be 

sacred ! 

3Irs. Del. [Apart to Del.] This is shocking, Heavens ! 

Del. [To Ida.] Shameless girl, I curse you ! 

Ida. [Starting.'] Father, I am innocent ! [ Weeps.] [Soft 
music till end of act.] 

Rosa. [Taking Ida in her arms.] [To Del.] How Cruel. 
[To Mrs. Del.] Wicked viper, this is your work! 

Ida. [To Del.] If greed of riches has destroyed in you all 
sense of duty, if gold is your god and exacts a victim, I 
am ready for the sacrifice ; I will leave you ; I will 
abandon my home and earn the bread of the unfortu- 
nate, for which they never need blush ; then, rich in my 
honor, I shall be proud of my poverty. 

Tableau. 

CUETAIN. 



ACT SECOND. 



Three months are supposed to have elapsed 
bet-ween the first and second act. 



Scene :—A comfortalle and tasty little parlor in Dr. May field's 

house. {New York). Doors: one C—one E— window L. 

Dr. May field is seated hefore the taUe reading a periodical. 

Mrs. May field stands facing the audience, arranging flowers in 

vase on the talle. 
Dr. May field. I felt very anxious about Ida's health, indeed 

I almost desimired of her life when she left the hotel 

where she went to live after, so foolishly, abandoning her 

father's house. 
Mrs. Mayfield. She did it to shield herself from Mr. Shumann . 

She is going to marry him now to pleaso her father. 
Dr. May. Ta-ta-ta ! — 'Nour days most girls pretend to 

sacrifice to Love, making grimaces at him. Ha, ha, ha ! 
Mrs. May. [MocJcingly.'] Ha, ha, ha !— Her aunt told me 

all about it. 



28 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Dr. May. Eosa ! AVhy, she is glad to see her niece mar- 
rying the son of a rich banker 

Mrs. May. She is furious at it ! 

Dr. May. Nevertheless, she is quietly inquiring into the 
father's financial situation, etc.; but there are secrets 
between her and me which I am bound to keep. ILanyJis.'] 

Mrs. May. Ida is not happy, women are the best judges of 
heart troubles. 

Dr. May. If she had any chagrin, you would know it. 
[ Beads. } 

Mrs. May. There is often a sentiment, a souvenir hidden 
in a young girl's heart, like the dew drop in the flower 
chalice, the least ray of light, the least breath taints its 
purity ; mystery is necessary to it. — Woman's heart is a 
book that requires constant reading, [tappiuy on her hus- 
hand^s book to torment him'] but the reader often ^throws it 
aside, long before he comes to the last page ! [^Dr. 
Mayfield throivs booh on table, jumps up suddenly, while Mrs. 
May field rtins around the table.'] 

Dr. May. \_Rumiiny after his ivife.] The last page, it never 
comes with you little chatterbox ! [ Catches and hisses her 
heartily.] There ! — That is the last page. 

3Irs. May. Of the first volume ? 

Dr. May. Of the first chapter! [Tries to hiss her ayain, she 
runs aivay pulling, his cravat imdone. — Dr. May. catches her 
in his arms. — Door bell rings.] Hush ! 

3Irs. May. A visit ! 

Dr. May. We must be more dignified, my love ! 

Mrs. 3Iay. [Loohing in mirror.] How I am crumpled, 
my hair ! [Arranges her hair.] 

Dr. May. [ '^ith her before mirror.] my cravat ! | Knoch 
at door.] Come in ! 

[Unter John, c] 



ACT SECOND. 29 

[Gives card to Dr. Mat/ field.'] 

Dr. Mai/. [To John.] Show him in, show him in! [Sxit 
John, c] [To Mrs. Mat/.] It is De Granville arrived 
fi'om Paris ! [TJxit ru7ining, c] 

Mrs. May. [Arranging her toilette before glass.] An elegant 
toilette to receive a Parisian in ! How red I am ! — Ah 
these husbands how they do fix you ! 

[MUer Dk. Mayfield and De Granville, c ] 

Dr. Mug. [Holding De QranvilUs arm affeotionatelg.] At last 
here is this dear De Granville. [Introducing.] My com- 
rade, the companion of my studies in France. [To De 
Granville.] Arthur, this is my little wife, [Offering a 
seat to De Granville.] And how is your dear mother ? 
[All sit.] 

De Granv. Alas, I am in mourning for her ! 

Mrs. May. Oh ! 

Dr. May. [Tahng De GranvilWs hand.] Poor friend ! 

De Granv. During the siege of Paris, she claimed her 
share of the dangers and suffering, but her health gave 
way while she nursed the wounded. 

Mrs. May. Generous soul ! 

Dr. May. Noble woman ! 

De Granv. When peace was signed, I found my property, 
in the suburbs, and which constituted all my fortune, 
destroyed by the artillery or ravaged by the enemy. 
Ruined, alone in the world, with no one to care for, life 
seemed like a night of sorrow weighing me down ; but 
relying on the strength of my arm and Avill to shake off 
this torpor, I came to America, my country also, as it is 
the refuge of the unfortunate. 

Dr. May. You. are welcome. 

Mrs. May. You will soon find your place among us, Mr. 
De Granville. 



30 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Dr. May. Remember you are at home, iu the house of a 
brother. \_Pomting to his ici/e.'] There is your sister — 
Now make yourself comfortable ; perhaps you would 
like to retire to your chamber ? 

Mrs. 3£ay. [Rising.'] I will just see that everything is 
ready. \_To De Granv.] Excuse me. 

De Granv. [Rising ivith Dr. Mag.'] Certainly Madame ! 
[£xit Mrs. Mayfield, r.] 

Dr. Mag. Have you brought anything ready for publica- 
tion ? 

De Granv. [Bouhtingly .] A drama 

Dr. May. Good ! — I will recommend it to a friend of mine, 
manager of one of the principal theatres in New York. 

Be Granv. 1 have little faith in its success, it is my first 
essay for the stage ! 

Dr. Mag. Let us hope for the best ; anyway this will not 
hinder your taking a commercial position should occa- 
sion present. Now you must rest while I visit some 
patients, who by this time are looking for me anxiously. 

De Granv. Do, by all means. [Exit ivitk Dr. Mayfield, r.] 
[Miter Mrs. Mayfield and Ida, c] 

Ida. [Coming down with Jfrs. Magfield.]- Naughty one, to 
neglect me so when you know I am aboiit to leave for 
the country. 

Mrs. Mag. My dear girl, I have been detained by the ar- 
rival, from Europe, of a friend of my husband. How 
do you feel to-day V 

Ida. I think I breathe easier, perhaps I am still to live. 
[Takes off hat and shawl, j)laees them on a chair — comes hack 
to Mrs. Magfield.] 

Mrs. Mag. What a gloomy tone ! — On the eve of marriage, 
life should seem to you aglow with joy. 

Ida. 0, I never hope for that again ! [ Weeps.] 



ACT SECOND. 31 

Mrs May. [Carressing Ida.'] Fy, Fy ! Ida, what is the 
matter ? — You have always been my confident why 
should I not be yours ? My heart may inspire me with 
some consolation for your griefs ! 

Ida. I live in a dream which is now a wrong. [ Weeps.'] 

Mrs. May. If you do not love Mr. Shumann why did you 
engage yourself to him ? 

Ida. When they brought me back to the house I was 
dying, exhausted by sickness and sorrows, I had no 
strength to resist my father's entreaties, I gave up to 
his will ! [ Weeps.] After all what does it matter? — It 
is a sacrifice I am bound to make for him. 

Mrs. May. [Doubtinyly.] Esteem will beget afi'ection. 

Ida. No — Women love once only ! 

3frs. May. [Siartiny.] Then you have loved ? 

Ida. [Pause.] Florence, I have idolized ! [Pause. - lays 
head on Mrs. May.''s shoulder. — Raising it sudde^ihj.] I will 
open my heart to you as there are secrets which kill ! 

Mrs. May. Speak, let me share your pain. 

Ida. During the six months I stayed in Paris last year, 
with father and his wife, I met, at the soiree of the 
American Ambassador, a young French author, son of 
a general who died on the battle field. In my excur- 
sions about the city he accompanied and taught me to 
appreciate scientific wonders and artistic beauty. Under 
his influence I felt all my being transformed as though 
inoculated with new life 

Mrs. May. Life blossomed for you ! 

Ida. Thoughtless and gay, I became restless, dreamy, I 
sought even in my sleep an ideal being to whom I might 
consecrate my whole existence, with pleasure, with pas- 
sion ! Suddenly from the depths of this misty horizon, 
he appeared to me like a gentle spirit, extending arms 



32 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

to which. I was irresistibly drawn ! He came to me as 
I went to him. — At first his voice disturbed me, I 
blushed beneath his gaze, but before long I found near 
him a delicious, a celestial calm ! 

Mrs. May. Yoti loved each other. 

Ida. And when he proposed that we shovild blend our lives 
in one, writing, aiding each other with mutual inspira- 
tion, Florence, how sweet the tie of marriage 
strengthened by labor seemed to me ! 

Mrs. May. Then you were engaged ? 

Ida. We had even fixed the date of our wedding, when 
one hapless day, in the ^'■Champs Ebjseh,^'' I was attracted 
by enticing music proceeding from a park, over the 
gate of which was written in golden letters, as by ironic 
fatality : '■'■Chateau des Fleurs.^'' Palace of Flowers ! Like 
an independent American girl I went in 

Mrs. May. And ? 

Ida. A [hesiiatiny'} gentleman addressed me in a most in- 
delicate manner. 

Mrs. May. Ho ! 

Ida. All at once I saw my friend hurriedly enter, angrily 
he forbade my accoster to speak to me. 

Mrs. May. Good ! — This was no place for you. 

Ida. He was insulted, they exchanged cards, then we went 
home, but I never saw him again ! 

Mrs. May. Never saw him again ? 

Ida. I learned that his mother had gone to Belgium, 
where her son lay dying from wounds received in a 
duel, of which I was the cause ! [ Weeps.] 

Mrs. May. Dreadful ! 

Ida. Ah, Florence ! From that moment I have undergone 
all that a woman can suffer ! 

J/rs. May. 0, I understand, dear ! 



f 



ACT SECOND. 33 

Ida, I besoiiglit my fatlier to accompany me to Belgium — 

Mrs. May. He did ? 

Ida. He promised first to do so ; without losing- time I 
wrote to his mother for news of him 

Mrs. May. She replied ? 

Ida. That her only consolation was that her son had done 
his duty, for there was no hope of his recovery ; that in 
his delirious moments he spoke of me ; this was all she 
was able to write having scarcely strength enough to 
weep ! \_Wee2)s.'\ 

Mrs. JIay. Poor mother ! 

Ida. Do you see him dying for me and I not there to 
staunch his wounds, to bathe them with my tears or 
inhale his last sigh ! [ Weeps. ] 

3Irs. May. It would have been a comfort to him and a 
solace to you. 

Ida. While perhaps he thought me unfaithful ; and, after 
being the cause of his suffering, I added anguish to the 
pang of death ! [ Weeps.] 

Mrs. May. [Carressing Ida."\ No, his love would prompt 
an excuse for you. 

Ha. I would have braved everything, if only to bid good- 
bye to his mortal remains, to throw myself at his 
mother's feet to implore her pardon, but father then 
opposed my departure — 

3Irs. May. ! 

Ida After passing days and nights in tears, I was taken 
sick, I lost all consciousness, and when I came to my- 
self, all was over ! 

Mrs. May. He was dead ? 

Ida. Father told me that he was dead ! [ Weeps ] 

Mrs. May. [^Taking Ida in her arms.'] Weep, my Ida, tears 
sooth ! \_Pause. J What became of his afflicted mother ? 



34 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Ida. Father said, she also died shortly after her son ! 

Mrs. May. What a sad story ! — And his name was ? 

Ida. De Granville ! 

Mrs. May. IStartiny.'] De Granville ? 

Ida. Do you know that name ? — Oh, Florence 

[JSnter Kitty, slioiviny in Delaware, Shumann and Mrs. 
Delaware, c] 

\_Exit Kitty, c] 

IMrs. Del. and Shuma^m yay and noisy — Uel. looks angry.'] 

Del. [To Mrs. May. — coming dotvn..] Excuse me, dear 
Madam, but I am out of patience with Ida ! The invi- 
tations to her wedding are all distributed and she does 
not even seem aware of it! [To Ida.} We are waiting 
for you to go with us to select your bridal jewels, before 
taking the boat for New Brighton and here you are 
coolly chatting ! [Ida puts on hat and shaivl.'] For pity's 
sake make haste, make haste ! [During the preceding 
Mrs. Del. and Shumann converse with Mrs. Mayfield.'] 

Mrs. Del. [Going to Del.] Now, now, dear, you must be 
a little indulgent. 

Mrs. May. Especially with young girls about to be mar- 
ried. 

Mrs. Del. [To Mrs. May.] Their heads are turned. We 
know all about that, eh, my dear ? The poor children 
are crazed with delight. 

Shumann. [Apart to 3Irs. May.] You will see what ex- 
travagant follies I am about to commit for her sake. 
[Converses with Mrs. Mayfield — Ida ivith Mrs. Delaware.] 

Del. [Aside, looking at f;«/?er on table — Angrily:] Gold : a 
hundred and twenty ! [Ih Ida.] Well, Ida, are you 
ready ? [Ida puis on gloves.] 

3Irs. Del. [Shaking hands.] Good-bye, my dear Mrs. May- 
field. 



ACT SECOND. 35 

Shumann. [To Mrs. 3Iay field.] Adieu Madam. [Exeunt 
Mrs. Del, and Shumann, c. — Del. waits near door for Ida.] 

Ida. [Apart to Mrs. Maijfield.'\ I will try and come right 
back, I must speak to you again. 

3Irs. May. I also, I sliall wait for you. [Emlraces Ida.] 

Del. [Near door.] Hurry Ida, hurry ! [Exit Iba, c] 
[Del. returns in hurry — Gives hand to Mrs. Mayjield.] I 
hope you will endeavor to make Ida see the necessity of 
hastening matters, she has not a moment to lose. 

il/rs. 2Iay. I will do everything for her happiness. [As 
Del. is runniny out.] One word more ; a friend, just ar- 
rived from Prance, poor, but highly educated needs a 
situation 

Del. Which I place at your disposition in my counting 
house; come and see us at the villa, with your protege. 
[Exit runniny, c] 

Mrs. May. Hum ! there goes a father very anxious to 
marry his daughter off! Looks badly! [Pazise, think - 
iny ] De Granville I Is it possible ? If it is he, my 
fine Shumann will have to dazzle other eyes with his 
jewels. [Thinkiny.] I hope he is the De Granville ! — 
Ha, ha, ha ! The father invites me to bring him to hig 
house, to put the fox in his hen roost ! Ha, ha, ha ! — 
Fathers have no luck when they interfere in their 
daughters' love affairs, there is always a spoke loose in 
their wheel. Mine recommended me a neighbor, a good, 
innocent young man, rich, [imitatiny a flute player,] a flute 
player, but paf ! Ten months ago he took me, for my 
health, to Long Branch, where I met, in the water, the 
most impertinent little Doctor, poor as Job's turkey, who 
under pretext that I was drowning took me in his arms, 
gave me a most aggravating kiss, right on the eye, and 
afterwards put me through such a regimen that he 



36 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

made me jump the broom, pretty quickly too ! The 
dear little devil ! Ha, ha, ha ! . 

\_Lnter Dr. Mayfield, c] 

[Goes toivards her on tiptoe, while she laughs, and takes her gal- 
antlij hy the waist.'] 

Mrs. Maij. \_Starting .] Ah! [Turning, taps him on cheek.] 

Dr. May. [Kissing her.] How is my angel? 

2Irs. May. Ah, your angel is all in a flutter, topsy turvy ! 

Br. May. What's the matter ? — I hope De Granville is not 
sick? 

3Trs. May. Not he, but Ida has just been here, she re- 
vealed something vei-y unexpected, that will astonish 
you, if my suspicions are realized ! 

Dr. May. Well, do tell me, quick ! 

Mrs. May. I said she did not love Shumann, do you know 
who she adores ? Your friend De Granville ! 

Dr. May. Already ! [Laughs^ De Granville is doing very 
well, and Miss Ida also ! [Laughs.] Love at first sight, 
Frrr ! like a match ! [Laughs^ Some men are lucky ! 

Mrs. May. She has not yet seen him. [Dr. May. laughs. \ 
She does not even know that he is here, but they were 
engaged in Paris. 

Dr. May. What ! — My dear, if it was so, they would be» 
to-day, Monsieur and Madame with an heir in the bar- 
gain. 

Mrs. May. No, no, Mr. Delaware was obliged to leave 
Paris suddenly on account of the war. 

Br. May. [BouUingly.] And since then they have com- 
pletely lost sight of each other ? 

Mrs. 3Iay. So it seems. 

Br. May. Bah, bah, bah ! There is something here, a 
mystery that you do not know and I beg you will not 
meddle with it. 



ACT SECOND. 37 

Mrs. May. But Ida would be cured completely. 

l>r. May. That's not your business ! \_Looks at papers on 
table.] 

Mrs. May. [Aside.} No remedy for girls, like a good 
husband, I know it ! 

J>r. May. Would you go to a young man, landed this 
morning, and tell him that Ida is madly in love with 
him, when you know, too, she is about to be married to 
somebody else very agreeable to the father ? Children 
should never set aside paternal sanction, without it a 
marriage is but half legitimate ! 

Mrs. May. Hallo ! Surely you have trumped up that 
beautiful principle for the occasion ! Ha, ha, ha ! My 
lord who said to me twelve hours ago : " Florence it ia 
the number of offspring makes marriage legitimate ! " 

Mrs.^Iay. | Ha, ha, ha, ha ! 

Mrs. May. [Coaxiny Dr. May. while he is lauyhing.'] Now 

listen to me : I only want to aid them a little, just to 

start them down the hill, 
Dr. May. No, no, no ! My position as Doctor, obliges me 

to use great discretion, especially in family matters; this 

time try and hold your little tongue. 
Mrs. May. I have nearly let it run already. 
Dr. May. I am sure of it ; I shall feel hurt if you do 

not follow my advice in this instance, you hear ? 
Mrs. May. Very well, I will say nothing, though it is 

cruel ! 
Dr. May. [Carresniny her.] Never fear, love is a magnet 

which, despite all obstacles, draws those who love to 

each other ! [Looks at the clock.] My ! It is late, I 

must go adieu, dear ! [Kisses her.] [Exit, c] 
Mrs. May. It is too bad, it's a shame to have them so near 



38 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

•each other and do nothing for them ! — If it is he ! — I 
will know anyway, there is no harm in that. \_Rings the 
bell.] I am curious; well, I am nothing- but a daughter 
of Eve ! {_Siis near table and embroiders.] 
\_Enter Kixxr, c] 

Mrs. May. Tell Mr. De Granville, if it is convenient, I 
should like to see him. \_Exit Kitty, e. Leaving door 
02)e?i'] what a splendid couple they would make! 
But perhaps he does not care for her any more, they 
say the French are so inconstant. Never mind, it is a 
sin to let Ida marry a man she does not love; what 
a terrible pill it must be to gobble down ! 
[Enter De Granville, e.] 

De Gran. You have done me the honor, Madame, of 
sending for me ? 

Mrs. Mag. Yes, I have good news ; I have found a posi- 
tion for you, if you will accept it 

De Gran. Already ! How shall I express my gratitude ! 

Mrs. Mag. Easily! \ Embroiders.] 

De Gran. tell me then ! 

Mrs. May. Sit down first [Embroiders^ 

Be Gran. [Aside, taking a seat.] AVhat a charming little 
original ! 

Mrs. Mag. By escorting me in society, when my husband 
is engaged with his patients. 

De Gran. I shall be only too glad to do so, Madame. 

3Irs. Mag. l^articularly when my club " The Phantoms" 
meet. 

De Gran. "The Phantoms!" The name is enough to 
frighten one ! 

3Irs. May. Eeassure yourself, you will only meet some 
pretty American girls, they are sometimes fascinating 
enough though to be feared; 



ACT SECOND. 39 

Be Gran. Yes, Madame, I know that too well! 

^Trs. May. Inde m1 ! I hear that in Paris they make terrible 
havoc with Frenchmen's hearts, look out for yourself ! 

De Gran. No danger, Madame, the evil is done, I have 
already been under their fire, I knew one in Paris. 

Mrs. May. [Aside ] Here it comes ! {Aloud.'] Ah ! and 
what did you think of her ? 

De Gran \ With deep sigh.] Pretty, very pretty, beautiful ! 

Mrs. May. How sadly you say that ! If you loved her 
why have you not married her V 

De Gran. She did not want me. Being detained in Bel- 
gium, by a severe sickness, I wrote to her several times, 
but received no answer, I then addressed her father — 

Mrs. May. What did he say ? 

De Gran. That she was already affianced to the son of a 
rich banker of Hamburg and that they were going back 
to America to celebrate the marriage. 

Mrs. May. [Aside.] She knows nothing of this, she has 
been deceived, f Aloud.] Her name was ? 

De Gran. Ida Delaware. 

Mrs. May. [Aside] Now I have it. [Aloud.] And you 
never heard anymore about her ? 

De Gran. Yes, Madame, but in the most singular fashion. 
[Searches in his pocht.] 

Mrs. May. [Aside ] This puts me ail astray now ? 

De Gran. At the Post Office in Paris, I found a letter for 
me, which I have carefully preserved, for although 
written in a silly style, by an illiterate person, it gives 
me hope, vague, ridiuclous it may be, but a hope which 
largely influenced my decision in coming to America. 

Mrs. May. [Aside.] I have lost all track at present ! 

De Gran. [Giving letter.] Here it is, Madame. 

Mrs. May. [Reading.] "Dear sir: Come this way, she 



40 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

" don't care for old Shumann. \_They laugh . — Reads.'] Go 
" aliead like a man and everything will turn up right ! " 
\_The)j laugh.] You have no idea who sent you this? 

De Gran. It seems to be one who understood the subject. 

Mrs. May. After all what's the difl'erence to yju who she 
cares for now ? To lose one lady love is to find two. 

Be Gran. Madame, I have good reason to be deeply 
interested ! \Pause.\ Let me tell you all, for your 
woman's heart, so generous, will appreciate the wants of 
mine thirsting for that happiness which abounds in 
yours, bathing all your life in the fragrant perfume 
which so elates you. 

Mrs. May. With pleasure, proceed. \Emhro\ders.'\ 

De Gran. The young girl of whom I spoke was calm, 
dreamy; her time was consecrated to study; our tastes 
and ambitions were the same, we lived in a perfect 
communion of ideas; therefore, when, without hesitation, 
without a doubt, we were plighted, I thought it was 
forever 

Mrs. May. Of course it was ! l^Aside.] Well, I nearly 
let it out ! 

De Gran. After her departure Paris was to me a desolate 
abode, for she had become the soul of my existence; I 
was like those trees which droop and die as soon as the 
flowei' is plucked ! \Thinlis.'\ 

Mrs. May. \_Aside.'\ How well he expresses all this ! \_Ein- 
hr Older s.] 

De Gran. Why she left me without a word of explana- 
tion, a word of farewell, I never can understand ! 

Mrs. May. Do not be discouraged, Mr. De Granville, 
happier days will dawn for you. l^Aside.] If Ida would 
only come back ! lAmbroiders ; aloud.] So you do not 
think you will ever forget her. 



ACT SECOND. 41 

De Gran. never, Madame, never ! 

Mrs. May. You are right, you will not find many like her. 
[^De Gran, starts.'} [Aside.'] Halloo ! 

De Gran. [Tf^ith great animation.'] You know her! Oh 
Madame, tell me about her ! 

Jlrs. May. [Aside.] There he is off! 

De Gran. My good star brought me here and you will 
bring me heaven ! 

Mrs. May. [Aside.] How shall I stop him ? [Einlr aiders.] 

De Gran. Where can I see her, does she ever speak of 
me, is she married ? 

3Irs. May. [Troubled.] I don't know ! [Aside] The dic- 
tionary calls that a lie ! Caa't be helped, my tongue 
goes all crooked to day ! 

De Gran.^Do not fear to pain me, I must know the truth ! 

Mrs. May. My husband won't allow me 

De Gran. [Laughing heartily.] Ha, ha, ha, ha ! 

3Irs. May. [Aside.] Florence you'll get it to night ! 

De Gran. [Laughing.] I will not insist then, but, surely, 
he will explain. 

Mrs. Mag. [Aside'] Good, he is cooling down ! [Aloud.] 
I hope so. 

De Gran. Ha, ha, ha, ha ! 

Mrs. May. [Aside.] Another blunder! Its all Ida's fault, 
she ought to have been here long ago. 

De Gran. [Rises, laughing.] I tear I am infringing on 
your time 

Mrs. May. Not at all, stay. [Aside, while Dti Granville sits.] 
They must meet by chance, before Albert comes in, or 
we shall celebrate our first spat. [Aloud.] I am wait- 
ing for a charming friend of mine, I hope you will keep 
me company until she comes ! [Aside ] I must try and 
be smart. | Embroiders] 



42 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Be Gran. [^Aside.'] It is Ida ! [Aloud, gaily.'] A brunette, 
with great, dark, tender eyes, fair as alabaster, a pro- 
voking little foot, the hand of a princess and the most 
adorable form ! [Laughs ] 

Mrs. May. I don't know, I'm sure ! [Aside, while Be 
Granville laughs.'\ Another fib, and a pretty stout one too ! 
[Eml)roiders.~\ 

Be Gran. [Aside.] She is determined to startle me, funny 
little creature ! 

3Irs. May. She will be here directly. [Aside.] This is 

perfectly natural, my husband can say nothing. [Bell 

rings.] 

De Gran. > . ^ ., . -, . , ,• 
3I-S. May. \ i^'^O'^^'^^r, rismg.] Ah ! 

Be Gran. [Excitedly.] There she is! 

3Irs. May. [Aside.] In time to save me a good scolding ! 

[Enter Kittt, c] 
Kitty. [Announcing.] Miss Delaware ! [E.cit c] 
3frs. Mag. [Replies to Be Granville by an affirmative nod, aside.] 

Now look out for the collision ! 
[De Gran, rushes towards door as though expecting to see Ida.] 

[Enter Eosi, c ] 
[De Granville meets Rosa entering door, catches her tenderly in 

his arms, kisses her warmly.] 
Mrs. May. [To De Granville and Rosa.] Stop, stay! 
[Rosa raises her veil, De Granville perceives his error and starts 

hack in amazement — Mis face covere / with black on one side, 

tvhite and red on the other — Coat also covered with powder.] 
Rosa. [Coming down.] my heart ! 
De Gran. [Aside.] Heavens ! 
Mrs May. [Aside.] On the wrong track ! 
De Gran. [To Rosa.] Madame excuse me, I am dum- 

foundered ! [Aside.] How can Mrs. Mayfield imagine I 



ACT SECOND. 43 

*? am in love with such an ante-deluvian antiquity. [Aloud 

to Eosa.'] Be kind enough to excuse me ! [Arranges coat.'] 
Rosa. [Out of breath.'] AVhy yes, sir, eas ly, easily! [Be- 

places hat.~\ I know the transports of love. [Takes 

breath.] 
l)e Gran. [Slihj feeling] his chin] She nearly took the 

piece off! 
Jiosa. But if my intended, Mr. Timothy Kuapp, had seen 

you, it would be very grave ! [Apart to Mrs. May.] I 

am all in a quiver ! [Laughs.] 
Mrs. May. [Aside.] I gave the signal, but they wouldn't 

give me time to change the switch ! [Introducing.] Mr. 

De Granville, Miss Delaware. [ Converses with Rosa ] 
De Gran. [Aside ] Another shock like this and I shall 

become insane ! [Arranges his hair and stands pensively in 
) a corner.] 

Mrs. May. [To Rosa.] How is your health, [all sit,] how 

are you to-day ? 
Rosa. Blooming, dear, blooming ! [8lily opens her shawl 

to show 3Irs. May. her waist. Apart.] Love works wonders ! 
De Gran. [Aside., looking at Rosa.] Miss Delaware ! [Tliinks.] 

Mrs. May. [To Rosa.] You look very happy 

Rosa. My head is giddy with joy ! - what a little goose 

I am ! 
De Gran. [Aside.] my ! 
Mrs. May. What has happened ? 
Rosa. He has returned to me, my beloved ! 
De Gran. [Aside ] Hey ! — What does she say ? 
Mrs. May. [To Rosa.] Is this indeed so ! 
Rosa. [Apart to Mrs. May.] And in splendid condition ! 

Such a fine shape! | Whispers to Airs. May field.] 
De Gran. [Aside.] She shows a good deal of spirit, I begin 

to like her after all ! 



44 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Jirs. May. [Aside, looking at Be Granville.'] Poor follow, 

what a blow I have dealt him ! 
Rosa. [Apart to Mrs. May. — De Granville listens.'] We met 

this morn, he thought me delicious ! [ Whispers to Mrs. 

3Iay field.] 
De Gran. [Aside., wipimj his face ivith handkerchief ] A fragile 

beauty ! 
Rosa. [Apart to Mrs. May.] And yet I was not dressed 

for I was just out of my bed, I mean my bath. [As she 

raises her voice excitedly.] But I was fresh, perfumed, I 

flew into his arms and everything was forgotten in a 

long kiss of ineffable bliss ! 
De Gran. [Aside.] Ah, ah! The girls of this country seem 

to appreciate that sort of thing only when they are fifty ! 
Mrs. May. [To Rosa.] I am delighted to hear such good 

tidings. 
Rosa. [Aside, De Gran, listeniny.] I came, also, to inform 

you of something particular and strictly private ! 
De Gran. [Aside, risiny.] She does not want me here ! 

[Aloud.] Ladies will you excuse me ? 
Mrs. May. Mr. De Granville pray remain, it will be a 

pleasure to have you with us. 
De Gran. You are very kind, Madame, but I do not feel 

well, I need the fresh air ! 
Mrs. May. [Aside.] Eeally it was enough to kill him ! 

[Alo^ld.] Come back soon, don't go far. 
De Gran. Only a few blocks ! [Bows and exit e.] 
Rosa. [Pointing to De Granville.] He is much the same 

style as my Timothy, indeed I thought it was he ! 
Mrs. Jfay. We were talking of his lady love, a beautiful 

young girl 

Rosa. And he mistook me for her ! [Lauyhs.] I was so 

ashamed ! — My Timothy, too, is crazy about his Rosie; 



^ 



ACT SECOND. 45 

he calls me his little duck, his little pet, his little puss ! 
— And he is so impatient ! — You know what men are ! 
\_Laughs.'\ 

Mrs. May. He came back good and virtuous, of course ? 

Rosa. Deacon of the church of " The Chaste Joseph" and so 
my brother procured for him. immediately, the situation 
of cashier in the Safe Deposit Co. 

Mrs. May. I congratulate you ! — This is what you have to 
communicate so strictly private ? 

Rosa. \Startiny.'\ I am glad you remind me : I want to 
tell you that I have the certitude that my brother is 
shamefully deceived by his wife ! 

Mrs. May. Mrs. Delaware ! [Both rise.'] 

Rosa. And what's more, the other day I saw her make 
Shumann sign a note, giving her a quarter of Ida's for- 
tune for urging my brother to force his child into a 
wretched slavery ! 

Mrs. May. horror ! — Are you su e of this, Miss Rosa ? 

Rosa. What I say, I saw and heard ! 

Mrs. May. Then we must contrive to keep off this mar- 
riage as long as possible. 

Rosa. Until I am able to unveil, proof in hand, such in- 
famy ! 

Mrs. May. Speak to your brother. 

Rosa. I have attempted to do so several times, but he 
turns his back on me as if I was crazy ! 

3frs. May. Then Ida must know all, it is a pressing ne- 
cessity. 

Rosa. This morning, so soon as I mentioned the name of 
Shumann she stopped me, saying that I ought to talk 
respectfully of her future husband ; she even reproached 
me with having more hate in my bosom for them thaa 
affection for her, whom I love as my own child ! [ Weeps,'] 



46 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Mrs. May. [^Aside.'] And to think I tried to persuade her 
to resign herself to this marriage ! \_Aloiid, going up.'] 
Come, I will explain it to her. 

\^LnterDR. Ma.yfield, c] 
\^Meets them near door.] 
Dr. May. [To 3Irs. 3Iayfield. — Giving hand to Rosa.] Are 

you going out, dear ? 
Mrs. May. [To Dr. May. — Coming down with Rosa.] I must 

see Ida, she is menaced with a frightful misfortune, the 

work of Mrs. Delaware and Shumann. 
Dr. May. [To Rosa.] What !— Is it possible ? 
Rosa. Doctor, I swear it ! 
Dr. May. The easiest way then is to acquaint Ida, with 

the arrival of De Granville. 
3Irs. May. [Rcproaehfully.] Ah, you see now ! [To Rosa.] 

The gentleman who was here when you came 

Rosa. [To Mrs. May ] The one who gave me such a smack ? 

[All laugh ] 
Mrs. May. They were engaged in Paris. 
Rosa He has come just in time, we will take good care of 

him. [To Dr. May field.] Unfortunately Ida has left 

for the country 

3Irs. May. I will go to her there. [Turns to leave.] 
Dr. May. [Detaining her.] Better yet, speak to De Gran- 
ville, he will manage his affairs best himself. 
Mrs. May. Why did you stop me awhile ago, now he is 

out ! — men, when will you let poor women have their 

own way ! [Exit, c] 
Rosa. [ Giving hand to Doctor May. \ When they have strength 

enough to resist them ! [Laughs.] [Exit, c] 
Dr. May. [Coming down.] Ha, ha, ha! — The old witch! 

[Thinking.] Well, well, poor Delaware pays dearly for 

his follies ! His chambermaid has long appeared to me 



ACT SECOND. 47 

a designing jade, but he is so absorbed in his ambition 
to amass a lai'ge fortune, that he does not see the filthy 
slough in which he is sinking ! — Happily if the ■worship 
of " The Golden Calf brutalizes the rich, honest labor 
ennobles the poor ! 

[Miter John, c] 

[Gives Dr. Mai/ field a letter. 1 

Dr. May. [After reading letter.'] John, I am obliged to leave 
immediately for Albany. [Prepares valise.'] Ask Mr. De 
Granville to excuse me for a day or two, and look to his 
comfort. [Looks at his watch.] Only twenty minutes to 
catch the train. [Hurries off, followed hij John with valise.] 
[Enter Ida and Kixir, c] 

Kitty. [Giving chair to Ida.'] She just went out with your 
aunt, and in such a hurry that she didn't even tell me 
when she would be back. 

Ida. [Taking off hat, gloves, ^c] No matter, Kitty, I will 
wait awhile. [Exit Kitty. '\ [Ida throwing herself into 
armchair near table.] Ah, how pleasant it is here ! 
what a grateful atmosphere I breathe in this modest 
home ! [Smells /lower on table.] And you, pretty little 
flower, with your bright, fresh color, how gladly you 
seem to greet life ! A soft, pure hand tends you, every- 
thing around exhales sincerity and love ; this little spot 
of earth where you sprang into existence is your own, 
and nothing intercepts the sunbeam which vivifies you. 
Don't you feel happy here, little darling ! [Kisses the 
flower.] 

[Enter John, c] 

[Hurriedly looks for something in cabinet.] 

Ida. What is the matter, John ? You seem excited. 

John. Beg pardon, Miss, but a tenement house around the 
cornel', in Third avenue, is on fire, and the engines have 



48 THE GOLDEN CALE. 

not come jet; there are several already hurt, I came for 
lint. [^Loolcs in cabinet. 1 

Ila. I wish I could help you. {Looks in cabinet with John.} 

John. I saw a gentleman, who arrived here this morning, 
go, through the flames, up to the fourth story, to 
rescue a child left alone there ; I fear he cannot escape ! 
[Eed light ] 

Ida. {Looking in cabinet} 0, here it is. \_Gwes lint to John.'] 
{Low music from orchestra until end of act.'] 

John. I will go to his assistance, any how, the Doctor told 
me to look after him. 

{L]xit John, c. Runs off, lint in hand.] 

Ida. {Looks out of window.] How red the sky is ! — God 
protect the homes of the poor, save the little child, 
spare that noble stranger ! {Stands in attitude of prayer.] 
{ Voices from the street.] Hurrah ! Hurrah ! {A woman's 
voice from the door.] A mother's blessing will follow you 
forever. 

{Enter De Granville, c] 

{His clothes in disorder, slight blood stain on his forehead. 

De Gran. {Holding the door half open ] Thanks, my good 
woman, thanks ! 

{As De Granville enters Ida. starts back terrified. Without 
seeing Ida, De Granville wipes blood from forehead. — Aside.] 
These poor creatures overwhelm me with their gratitude, 
as though the pleasure of doing good was not recompense 
enough ! 

{Be Granville turns, sees Ida, l. aiid stands e. as though stupe- 
fied. Lach takes a step towards the other, recedes, then advances 
again. As Ida gains centre of stage, she totters, De Gran- 
ville rushes towards her, she falls fainting into his arms. 
Tableau. 
Curtain. 



ACT THIRD. 



Day following the second act. 



Scene : — A clearing in a thieklij wooded park at Delaware's 
country seat in New Brighton, [Staten Island.) — Statues, foun- 
tains, rustic bench and vases of flowers. — On the left a wall 
with small door. — On the right, through the trees, is seen a 
sumptuous villa. — The back ground, through the trees, repre- 
sents the bay of Hew York.] — ( Night coming ou gradually.) 

[Before the curtain rises, the orchestra plays " The last rose of 
Summer.'^] 

[liosa and Jackson are seated on the bench, Rosa playing the 
guitar. Jackson squeezes her icaist.'\ 

Rosa. Timothy behave, behave, you make me blush ! \_Puts 
guitar aside. — Aside ] Isa't he awful ! [Aloud.~] Don't 
forget, ducky, I am a fragile flower untouched by the 
breath of evil ! [Aside.'] But which the tempest would 
batter down! 



60 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Jackson What does your brother say of our union ? 
Rosa. O, the welfare of his family does not concern him 

much : I warned him that his child is marrying, ag iinst 

her will, the lover of his own wife and he docs not even 

seem to think of it. 
Jack. You must give him proofs. 
Rosa. [ seek them every day ; this morning I went through 

all her bureau draws and I found nothing suspicious 

but a queer little key 

Jack Perhaps the key of her box in the Safe Deposit 

Company, she comes there often. 
Rosa. [Siartfn,;.] What a bright idea ! That's where she 

hides her papers ! Wait, [thet/ rise,] I'll run and get it ! 

{^xit running, e] 
Jack. Shumann after cheating me at play, out of my last 

cent, cleans me of all I can scrape together or threatens 

to expose me, besides they want half of Eosa's fortune 

as soon as I get it; it is a nuisance to work so hard for 

others ; perhaps here is a chance to get rid of them; I'll 

take advantage of it. 

\_Enter Rosa, r, running ] 

Rosa. [Giving key.'] Here it is ! 

Jack. Exactly, the very thing ! 

Rosa. 0, now I have her in my power, now she shall pay 
for all her wickedness ! — Go, quickly, and bring all you 
find in her box, don't be long, " The Phantom Club" 
meets here to-night, look as nicely as possible, dear, I 
want every body to feel jealous of my Tim and his lit- 
tle Eosie ! [Fall into each others arms.] 

[Enter Ida. and Mas. Mayfield, k, conversing.] 

[Rosa and Jack, surprised, spring away from each other. — Rosah 
hustle and false hair fall off.] 

Rosa. [Aside.] Heavens, I am falling to pieces ! [Runs off' 



ACT THIRD. 51 

holding skirts, while Jack, picks up giutar, hustle and hair.] 

Jack. [Aside.] My rose is shedding its leaves ! [Exif r.] 

Mrs. May. \To Ida, coming down.] Your father promised 
me a situation 

Ida. [Starting.] For Mr. De Granville ! 

Mrs. May. Yes, and in his own office, so I sent for him 
to come immediately. 

Ida. [With great surprise.] Here? 

Mrs. May. Why yes, my husband is absent, the poor fel- 
lovr is a stranger, all alone in the house, he must feel 
lonesome and anxious to hear about you. 

Ida. Did you tell my father his name ? 

3Irs. May. He did not ask it. 

Ida. The thought of seeing him again, frightens me ! 

3Irs. May. Your scruples are exaggerated, you are yet 
free and you ought to consider your aunt's advice ; for, 
suppose Mr. Shumann does not love you, suppose he 
only covets your fortune. 

Ida. These are merely suppositions, I cannot believe such 
meanness of him, for I have nothing to reproach and 
I cannot break my word ; I will teach him to love me. 

JAs. May. If he should regard you, like so many hus- 
bands do, as a luxurious ornament which more or less 
flatters his vanity? As to that intimacy which all virtu- 
ous women fondly hope to find in conjugal life, the dif- 
ference of intelligence, of aptitude between you will 
render it impossible 

Ida. Do not insist, Florence, I am fulfilling an imperious 
duty. 

Mrs. May. What do you say ? 

Ida. I can tell all to you ; listen then : My father, carried 
away by the seductions of gold, lost in speculation 
not only his own capital, but also, I have discovered, the 
funds confided to his probity 



52 THE GOLDEN CALE. 

3Irs. 3Iay. \ Starting.] And the money of our orphan 
asylum? 

Ida. I will be security for that. 

Mrs. May. You will be the victim of your father's impru- 
dence! 

Ida. Children are always victims of their parents' faults ! 
\Paiise.'\ Mr. Shumann may at any moment exact a 
settlement, my personal fortune would not cover one 
half of his claims and Mr. De Granville is poor. My father 
then bankupt, would, by my egotism, fall to the rank of 
a vulgar defrauder ! Can I live in luxury, intoxicated 
with love and happiness, when I know the tears, the 
anguish it costs the aged, the widow, the orphan ? 
Can I, Florence, put myself on a level with those un- 
blushing women, who boldly indulge and display 
splendors, which they know, are the fruit of the sordid, 
criminal rapacity of a father or a husband ? 

Mrs. May. How noble you are ! — do be happy ! 

Ida. Let my destiny be accomplished ! If the men of our 
country have not strength to hold honor high and firm, 
we, the daughters of America, will do our duty and set 
them the example. [^Approachiny Mrs. May tenderly.'] 
You weep for me, dear ? Dry your tears, my life will 
be short ; then you can tell Arthur why I refused his 
hand, and he will still cherish my memory ! 
[Unter Mk. a7id Mrs. Delaware, e.] 

Mrs. May. \^To Ida angrily^ perceiving them.] Here they 
are ! 

Del. [To Mrs. Del., holding a letter.] Excellent news, ex- 
cellent news ! [Seeing Ida and Mrs. 3Iay.] Ladies, I 
do not wish to drive you away, but, Ida, it is time you 
made your toilet for this evening, and remember you 
must dance. [To 3Irs. 3IayJield.] I wish you would 



ACT THIRD. 53 

giv^e her the benefit of your taste. [Converses ivith Ida.\ 

3Irs. Del. [To Mrs. May.] The poor darling needs it 
sadly, I am obliged to advise her every day. [To Ida.] 
Dear child, your lover will be here directly, now is your 
time to make a dash ! [Ltur/hs.] 

Mrs. May. Is it not V We were just talking about him. 

Ida. [To Mrs. May.] Come, let us go. [Exit ivith Mrs. 
May field, e.] 

Del. [To Mrs. Del.] Listen what Shumann writes me. 

[Readmy.] "At last war is assured ; the German army 
" only await the word to precipitate themselves again 
" on France, which, this time, will be completely 
"ravaged, ruined and French bonds worthless ! " 

Mrs. Del. this is grand ! 

Del. Then I shall be the richest banker in America ; I 
shall realize an immense fortune ! 

Mrs. Dell. And well earned ! What privation I have 
to submit to ! If it is not too late, you should now sell a 
large amount of the French loan. 

Del. True, I will send Shumann, this time, illimeted orders 
to that effect. [Referriny to letter.] But this is not all. 
[Reads.] " The marriage of my Fritz with your daugh- 
" ter binds us in bonds of eternal iriendship, and to 
" celebrate their engagement, I have credited your 
account forty thousand dollars ! 

Mrs. Del. [With emotion.] What munificence ! 

Del. What generosity ! And more ! [Realiny.] " I de- 
" sire that this letter shall be cons.dered, after their 
" union, as a receipt for the full payment of the debt 
" between us ; this is the wedding present I place in 
" the corheille of our beloved Ida ! " 

Mrs. Del. How proud she ought to be ! 

Del. [Wiping tears away.] Is it not afi'ecting ! 



54 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Mrs. Del. The least Ida can do, in retnrn for such benefit, 
is to leave her fortune wholly at her husband's disposi- 
tion, she owes him this. 

Del. I have already spoken of it to her ; Ida thinks it 
perfectly natui^al. 

Mrs. Del. Then your affairs will be regulated as soon as 
the marriage is consummated ! 

Del. Yes, and by the by, I wish their nuptials feted 
sumptuously ! 

Mrs. Del. 0, what is the use ? We can afford to be eco- 
nomical, as everybody thinks we are very rich. 
\_Enter Pompey, k.] 

Pompejj. Mrs Mayfield is in the parlor with a stranger. 

Mrs. Del. lIioti(jihl(/.'] His name '? 

Pompeij. Don't know it mam. 

Mrs. Del. {To Pomjmj.'] Stupid brute ! 

Del. [To Pompejj.'] I will be there directly. \^Exit Pompey, k.] 

Mrs. Del. \_To Del.] A stranger ! Who can it be ? 

Del. nobody, only a poor devil, just arrived from Europe, 
looking for a situation ! [Exit e.] [Mrs. Del. sils on 
bench fanning herself.'] 

[Enter SnuiiANN hi/ small door on the left.] 

Shicmann. [Approaches cautioushj and takes seat heside her.] How 
fortunate you are alone! — I have just gained, on Erie 
stocks, five thousand dollars ! 

3Irs. Del. Five thousand ! If you go on like this, there 
will soon be no need of Ida — 

Shicmann. I shall never be rich enough for you, dearest ! — 
In the meanwhile you must have your share of my good 
luck ! [Hands her Jewel case.] 

[Enter Rosa, e.] 

[Peeps from behind trees.] 

Mrs. Del. [Opening case.] A princely gift! — O how I love 
diamonds ! 



^ 



ACT THIED. 55 

Shumann. The neclslace will not be finished until next 

week 

Mrs. Del. Bring it [leaning on Shiimami's shoulder^ when you 

nome to meet me in Philadelphia 

Shumann. [Kissing her hand.] Without fail ! 

Mrs. Del. With the deeds of this house, which I intend to 

sell while real estate is in demand. 

Shumann. They will be ready then 

Mrs. Bel. Sh, Ida ! [Both rise.] [Uxit Eosa.J 

[jLufer Ida, e,.] 
[Agitated, she looks anxiouslg towards house.] 
Mrs. Del. [To Ida.] What is the matter, my chill ? 
Shumann. You look fretted, darling, what is it? 
Ida. [To Shumann.] The gentleman of whom I spoke to 

you, whom I knew m Paris 

SJmmami. [Starting.] Mr. De Granville ? 

3frs. Del. Mr. De Granville ! 

Ida. He is there, in the parlor ! 

Shumann. [Apart to 3Irs. iJel] A very black cloud on our 

horizon ! 
Mrs. Del. \ Apart.] It will dissipate. 
Ida. [Looking anxiously through the tvood.] At sight of him, 

I thought of you and I ran here ! 
Shumann. [Apart to Mrs. Delatvare.] What brought him 

to this house ? 
3Irs. Del. [Makes sign to Shumann to be silent. — To Ida.] Your 

father told me that the young man is looking for em> 

ployment ? 
Shumann. [Aside.] It is not I would give him any ! 
Ida. He is poor, unhappy, and I heard father say he would 

do nothing for him ! [ fVijjes tears away andglanees towards 

house.] 
Mrs. Del. [Apart to Shumann.] Bad management ! 



56 THE GOLDEN GALE. 

Shmam. [Apart to Mrs. Delaware.^ What plagues these 

Evenchmen are ! 
Mrs. Del. \To Ida.] Poor young fellow ! 
Ida. [To Mrs. Bel] You, so potent with my father, iu- 

tercede for him, I will be ever grateful, I will pray for 

you!- 1 beg you aid him, do not let him suffer! 

[Looh totvards lioxise.] 
Shmnann. [Aside.] Only a thread binds her to me ! 
Mrs. Bel. [To Ida ] My child, trust me ; I will speak to 

your father and it shall be as you desire. 
Ida. [Talcmg her hand tenderly.] O thanks, how kind you 

are. 
Mrs. Del. We never refuse anything to those we love . 

[Exit, R.J 
Shumann. The interest you feel in your former lover, would 

make me jealous, if I could be of an emigrant 

debarked, at Castle Garden ! [Laughs.] 
Ida. Your remark is cruel and unjust, I should like to see 

you more generous ; I have accepted your hand and I 

will keep my word. 
Shumann. You owe me that, my dear for our engagement 

has already brought your father in forty thousand dol- 
lars, and our marriage will cancel his debt with us, 

which is large enough, I assure you ! 
Ida. Eritz, I appreciate your father's liberality, but 

between us lay aside the money question; you have 

nothing to fear from Mr. De Granville. 
Shumann. If he annoyed me, I'd show him the outside 

of the door ! 
Ida. [With rage.] You, you would insult him ? [Aside.] 

Ah , I forget ! 
Shumann. [Aside.] I went too far ! 
Ida. You will like him when you know his character. 



ACT THIRD. 57 

Slmmami. Why not ? Poor chap, if I could help him — 

Ida. ^Pressing his hand.] Thauks, Fritz, this is just what 
1 expected of you. Here comes father with him ! 
[Agitated, takes Sliumann's arm. Exeunt, l.] 

[_Enler De Granville and Delaware, r.] 

Delaware. [Agitated, looks totvards Ida''s retreating figure — 
stqjpressing his emotion.] Let us remain here, we can 
converse openly without listeners. — When I told you 
that I could give you no situation, I forgot that I re- 
quired an agent for San Fraucisco 

De Gran. In California ? 

Del. California ; I am glad Mrs. Delaware reminded me 
of it, as by this means, I shall be enabled to acquit the 
service you did me. 

De Gran. I, sir ? I have done nothing for you ! 

Del. Pardon, I have not forgotton that you were mixed 
up, in Paris, in a certain affair, in which one of my 
family also took part. 

De Gran. I, only, did my duty, sir, and you will understand 
it so if you recall the nature of the feeling which 
bound me to Miss Delaware. 

Del. [Aside.] Can he love her still? [Aloud.] The 
feeling which all gentlemen entertain for young ladies 
of good standing and agreeable society. 

De Gran. Have you indeed forgotten, sir, that we were to 
be marrif^d ? Do you not remember Miss Ida spoke to 
you of our attachment, and on my part, while I was 
[hesitating,] detained in Belgium, I wrote to you and 
asked her hand V 

Del. Yes, Yes, I recall it now, and I am glad of this occa- 
sion to explain, for the last time, in order that I may 
dispel any illusions you might still retain on this sub- 
ject : As I then answered you, your union with my 



58 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

daughter was impossible, her marriaga being already 
decided ; if she told you nothing about it, it .-hows a 
levity of mind which proves of how little consequence 
was her fancy for you ; at any rate your plans could 
not and can not be realized. 

De Gran. Why ? My name is already known in literary 
circles, I am young, by labor I may succeed, and a 
modest living suffices those who love each other. 

Del. \_Aside.'\ He thinks Ida is without fortune, and 
he loves her ! What would he do if he knew that as 
soon as she marries, she will be rich ! \_Aloml.\ I es- 
teem all these considerations, but they are held of little 
account in our society, where a man is valued according 
to his means, for what he is worth; fortune creates 
social degrees, which talent can never compensate ; so 
surely, you would not wish to condemn Ida to occupy, 
in the world, an inferior rank to that which she holds 
by right of my position and that of the opulent family 
which she is about to enter. However, it is useless to 
insist, her wedding day is fixed, and a word more would 
be out of place. 

De Gran. I comprehend, sir. 

Del. It is agreed, then, that you leave for San Francisco 
as my agent. 

De Gran. In my position I must accept with gratitude ! 

Del. But I make a condition, it is that you leave instantly. 

De Gran. Be kind enough to allow me a few days 

Del. Not an hour, not a minute ; I do not wish you even 
1 1 return to the parlor. 

De Gran. {Aside.] This is strange ! [Alottd.] I cannot 
go away without seeing, at least, Mrs. Mayfield 

Del. I will excuse you, but your presence here, must be 
very disagreeable to Mr. Shumann and a painful em- 



ACT THIRD. 59 

barrassment to my daughter. You ought to feel this, 

sir, and save me the trouble of saying it ! 

De Gran. True, I retire, but 

Bel. \8eemg Shumayin and Mrs. Delaware approach.'] Enough, 

they are coming ! 

\^Enter Mes. Delaware and Shumann, r] 
Mrs. Del. Well, is the affair all arranged, Mr. De Gran- 
ville ? 
Be Gran. Yes, Madame, thanks to your kind intervention. 
Bel. ITo Mrs Bel] He leaves directly for California. 
Shwnann. {Aside.] I should prefer China, it is farther off ! 

\^Co7iverses with Bel.] 
Be Gran. {To Mrs. J>el.] Allow me to say adieu, Madame, 

thanking you again for your kindness. 
Mrs. Bel. Take care of your health ; be good and virtu- 
ous, the first conditions of success ! 
Be Gran. {To Shumami.] Sir, I have the honor of saluting 

you! 
Shumann. Good luck, young man, good luck ! 

[Fxit De Granville bj/ small gate.] 
Bel. {Holding gate half open.— Te Be Granville] Telegraph 

your arrival and I will send you my instructions ! {Pushes 

gate.] At last he is gone ! 
ITrs. Bel. And for ever this time, I hope ! 

Shumann. If he comes back, I will take charge of him 

Bel. {To Shumann. \ Don't torn^^nt yourself about that 

pauper, hunger tames the heart ! [ Waltz music heard in 

the distance.] 
3Irs. Bel. The club is assembled ! 
Shumann. They are dancing ! 
Bel. Let us join them. {Kveant b.] 

{Enter Eosa and Jackson, c] 
{Waltzing to the music— Talking, arm in arm they approach 

footlights.] 



60 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Bosa. And in spring, wlien the birds begin to warble their 

songs of love 

Jackson. We will s'o to Saratoga ! 



Rosa. And live in a dear little cottage ! 

Jack. [Moch'ntj her. ] A cunning little nest ! 

Itosa. With little chickens ! 

Jack. And little pigeons ! \_Changin(j tone.] You know I 

have them in my pocket. 
Rosa. The little pigeons ? 
Jack. Her papers. [Hunts in his pocket. — Music stops.~\ 

Rosa. that's so ! Let me see them. [Takes a paper from 
Jackson. — Reading.'] O the monster ! — I knew it well ! — 
See, here is the agreement she made Shumaun sign ! 

Jack. [ Giving a paper to Rosa.'] This is only a paid check, 
I don't see what importance she can attach to it. 

Rosa. It is a forgery Shumann committed ; she keeps it in 
case she ever needs to vise it against him. 

Jack. She's a pretty smart woman ! 

Rosa. An infernal creature! But you, dear, are the saviour 
of my family. [Giving hack papers to Jack.] Show these 
yourself to my brother, fire the powder and your for- 
tune is made ! — I fly, for him on the wings of love! 
[Ihrows a kiss and exit running, k.] 

Jack. [ Pa^lse.] My fortune will be made ! — That's not so 
sure ; on her return from Philadelphia, she will have 
me arrested, as Delaware Avill testify that 'twas I who 
gave him the papers ; naturally they'll conclude that it 
was I also who carried off her diamonds, bonds and 
deeds of property ; they will find out that I am not 
Timothy Knapp and then old Rosa will make me flit 
"on the wings of love," as she says, to " Sing Sing," for 
twenty years ! — Brrr ! — I won't take on myself to fire 
the powder on these conditions, I might burn my fin- 



ACT THIRD. 61 

gers! [Looka towards the hoiise.'] There comes my bride 
with her brother, what the devil, shall I say ? 
lEnlcr Delaware and Eosa, [Del. hurriedly,) e.] 

Del. Well, my frieud, what is it, quick, be quick ! 

Jaclc. Very fiue night, sir ! \_Rosa signs to Jackson to speak 
freely.'] 

Del. You wish to consult me on an urgent matter, now 
what is it ? 

Jack. But — [Signs to Rosa to be sile7if,] I dou't know — Per- 
haps 

Bel. See here, Knapp, make haste, I am in a liurry. 

Rosa. [To Jackson.'] Tear nothing, my beloved, this will be 
the happiest day in our lives ! 

Del. [To Jackson.] Is it possible that at your age you are 
so timid ! I'll warrant you are about to ask me for my 
sister's hand ! 

Jack. You've hit it exactly ! [Rosa looks astonished, Jack, 
makes signs of silence to her.] 

Del. Well, well ! Get married as soon as you like ; you 
mu.st not disturb me for such matters! [To Rosa ] I am 
talking business in the parlor and you bring me out 
here for nothing ! — You are going crazy Rosa ! [Hurry- 
ing off.] You are going crazy ! [Exit, r.] 

Jack. [To Rosa.] It is too risky, I shall put them back in 
her box, I fear I should lose my situation. [They fol- 
low Del.] 

Rosa. true, and your good name ! [Exeunt.] 
[Enter Jenny out of hreath, l.] 

Jenny. [At door, weeping, pulls Dc Granville in hy the coat.] 
No, Mr. De Granville, I won't let go of you ! 
[Enter De Gr.4.nville, l.] 

De Granville. Jenny, I have orders from Mr. Delaware to 
leave immediately for California. 



62 THE GOLDEN GALE. 

Jenny. \W Oh anger. '\ And I have orders from Miss Eosa 
and Mrs. Mayfield to make you come in and stay ! 
\^Slmts the door.'\ 

De Gran. But Miss Ida ? 

Jenny. I declare ! A girl can not, always, tell right out 
what she is wishing for ; it is very easy to guess though . 
When you left for the boat her eyes were fixed on you, 
she was as pale as [pointing to flowers] that lily; her 
look broke my heart, but started my legs at the rate of 
an old maid after a beau ! [Pants, out of breath.'] 

De Gran. Suppose somebody comes ? 

Jenny. Hide — \loolis around] in the chicken coop ! 

De Gran. A nice way to visit people in the country ! 

Jenny. Don't mind that. [Pushes him towards bench.] To- 
night I have no time to spare, but to-morrow I will let 
you know lots of things ; any how, make love to her 
and you'll see if she don't bite ! 

De Gran. She will not listen to me, in her eyes it would 
be a sin. 

Jenny. Tell her that sins so sweet are always forgiven. 

De Gran. Too late, Jenny, too late ! 

Jenny. Not at all, first love may fade, but never dies ! 

De Gran. And Mr. Shumann ? 

Jenny. Oh, don't let her marry him, she will soon repent 
it? 

De Gran. You think so ? 

Jenny. Already she has lost her gaiety ; she used to crack 
little jokes with me, my nonsense made her laugh, she 
loved to listen to my little songs of Ireland, now she is 
silent, I never see her bright smile and poor Jenny, her 
foster-sister, is nothing but her maid. [ Weeps.] 

De Gran. [Consoling.] There, there, poor little thing! 
How Ida has changed in so short a time ! 



ACT THIED. 63 

[Aloud.] My presence is annoying to her, when she saw 

me in the parlor, a while ago, she fled 

Jenny. Blushing like a ripe tomato ! So much the better, 

a girl in love always acts like a goose ! — My, my, Mr. 

De Granville, they say the first woman went to the 

devirs school, surely the young men oi to-day need to 

come to ou s to learn sparking ! 
Be Gran. For ray part, I have succeeded very poorly. 
Jenny. No wonder, you are not pushing enough ! [Aside.] 

The same trouble with all of them ! 
De Gran. [Risiny, tries to yo totvards door, l.] My being 

here is indiscreet, I must leave ! 
Jenny. [Cry my and holdiny hini.'\ Do keep still, I tell 

you! 
De Gran. I will write to her. 
Jenny. Bosh! — There you are again with your soft ways! 

A letter never operates lilie a good, square hugging, 

don't you understand? \3Iahes him sit ayain.\ Stay 

there and think of her. \Stts near him.'] 
De Gran. I do, Jenny ! [2Ioon rises.] 
Jenny. That's right — Think what a nice young lady she is, 

in a beautiful ball dress, low necked and short sleeves, 

how glad you would be to give her a little squeeze, 

eh? 
De Gran. \_Ahstr actedly .] Ah Jenny ! [Music stops. \ 
Jenny. Well, behave now, like a good gentleman and I 

will go for her ! [Rises cautiously.] 
De Gran. [Aside.] And she can suppress her kindliest 

feelings ! [Looks up, thinkiny. ] 
Jenny. [Leaviny.] Yes, that's it, look up at the moon, it is 

like a big pancake, and it warms the heart ! [Retires 

backivard, watchiny De Granville.] 
De Gran. \_Aside.] But she can not suppress her remorse ! 



64 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Jenny. \l,eavmg.'\ Lookup! Lookup! \Exitr%mn\ng,'&.\ 
De Gran. Her love evaporated in the sun. of fortune, even 

in its very morning ! \Looh& towards the woods. - Starting 

iqy.'] A man! — If it is Mr. Delaware I am in a pretty 

predicament ! — Yet, if she is coming, I can not run 

away. [^Tries to hide behind a tree.] 

IJSnter Jackson, r.] 
[Loohing around une%silg.'\ 
Jaclc. \_Seeing De Granville.'] Hallo, my friend ; are you 

alone ? 
De Gran. Alone, sir, what do you want of me ? 
Jack. Miss Eosa told me that you were here and handled 

mighty roughly 1 
De Gran. I do not understand you, sir. 
Jach. Don't be afraid, I know what you want, to succeed 

you will have to defeat the schemes of Shumann and 

Mrs. Delaware 

De Gran. Sir, in my presence, Mrs. Delaware's name 

must be respected ! 
Jach. Yes, that's all right. [Aside.'] Very Frenchy I \_Aloiid.'] 

Suppose I was to place in your hands, proofs that Miss 

Delaware is menaced with an awful misfortune aud you 

could save her, what would you do ? 
De Gran. Every thing in the world that can be done, I beg 

you tell me what it is. 
Jack. [Shotving papers.] Show these to Mr. Delaware, but 

return them to me, and, above all, promise not to reveal 

to anybody who procured them for you. 
Be Gran. I give you my word, come what may, I will be 

silent. 
Jaclc. [Giving 'pa^yers to De Granville.] Hurry, there is no 

time to lose. 
De Gran. \_Putting papers in pocket.] I will examine them 



ACT THIRD. 65 

and make use of them if I judge it necessary to Miss 
Delaware's welfare. 

Jack. That's understood. \Jenn\j and Ida are seen approach- 
ing.'] . I see ladies approaching, I'm off ! {Exit.'] \_Low 
music heard in the distance.] 

{Enter Jenny and Ida, k.] 

\Jc7inij points towards Be Granville.] 

{Exit Jenny, k.] 

Ida. {Lool^ing timidly around.] It is I, Arthur. Before you 
leave New York, I wish to speak to you. {Patise.] Yes- 
terday, when I returned to consciousness, I left you 
bruskly, bidding you forget me ; all my conduct must 
seem strange ; I hoped your generosity would prevent 
your believing me unfaithful. {As Be Granville turns his 
head away.] Arthur, look in my face, see how sincere 
are my words ! I swear I am not guilty, do you hear, 
Arthur, I swear ! 

Be Gran. {After a pause ] Why, then, do you seek to justify 
yourself ? 

Ida. You suffer and I long to make you happy ! 

De Gran. Happy ! — Are you not going to marry ? 

Ida. Do not question me ! {Aside^ Can I avow to him 
that my father lied to me, that he sold me, that I mus* 
prostitute my heart to redeem his crimes ! horror ! 
{Aloud.] Arthur, I beseech you have faith in m«, I 
want your esteem, your aff'ection ! 

Be Gran. My affection ! What cruel irony ! 

Ida. Irony ! — 0, my friend, see my tears, they are scalding, 
bitter tears ! {-Weeps Utterly. — After a pause draws him 
towards her and leans tenderly on his shoulder.] Tell me, may 
there not exist between us a pure intimacy, which will 
permit us to live near each other, under the same roof, 
for soon I will ask him and my father to bring you back 
to New York as their partner 



66 THE GOLDEN GALE. 

Be Gran. Fortune in excliange for your hand ! 0, do not 
insult my poverty ! 

Ida. I, insult you ! I am at your feet ; my very presence 
here is, already, a fault! \_Aude7\ And an avowal of my 
suffering would make me criminf^l ! [Aloud.} 0, Arthur, 
have pit}' on me ! 

De Gran. {Panne ^ Have you any for me, strange being ! 
Yesterday, insensible in my arms, I covered you with 
carresses, T watched you eagerly to catch from your 
lips a word of love, a breath of happiness ; but you, 
marble hearted, your conscience alone spoke ; at your 
awaking, you were already strong enough to repress 
impulse, and leave me without an allusion to our past ! 
To-day, I find you radiant in the midst of a gay festi- 
val ! What species of woman are you? 

Ida. An unhappy one who implores your compassion! 
[ Weeps.} 

Be Gran. {Pause.} Yes, Ida, I do pity you, for I see 
that to escape a misalliance, as your father said, by 
marrying into poverty, yoil immolate your heart on the 
altar of the " The Golden Calf " ! {Paim^ Poor Ida ! 
Alone in the gilded crowd, that arid desert, you will 
flee even the thought of him whom you ought to desire; 
mazed, without a soul to speak the language of yours, 
with senses confused, thirsting for calm and repose, 
where will you find a refuge ? The felicity of others, 
the love song of youth, all its pure delights will reproach 
your fault ! — In the solitude '? The sweetest voices of 
nature, the trill of the bird, the melodies of the breeze, 
will be for you only the mournful echo of your own 
sighs ! — And if the pleasures of the world blotted out 
remembrance of me, oh, Ida ! it would be at the cost 
of your innocence, of your beauty ! {Pause — As though 



ACT THIED. 67 

dismissinj a iminful thouffld.] No, no! soon, poor wounded 
dove, you will drop from branch to branch into the 
abyss of indifference, dead to the joys of love, to the 
true happiness of earth ! 

Ida. \Taldng his hand.] Arthur, do not leave me ! 

De Gran. Do you remember our visions of the future ? 
How bright seemed the days to come ! We never 
thought of gold, we preferred work to the enervating 
voluptuousness of wealth ; your look, your smile, created 
in my imagination divine ideals, treasures for my pen> 
and you felt here [places Ida's hand on his heart] that you 
were sovereign. [Fausc.] All this was, to you, biit 
idle illusion, meaningless dust, which you easily shook 
off to throw yourself into the arms of a man you did 
not love I [Pushes her hand aivay.] 

Ida. [Catching his hand.] Have mercy, Arthur! 

De Gran. No, You do not love him, your trembling hand 
presses mine convulsively! [Talces Ida in his arms.] 
Come back, then, to the heart you have disdained, here 
you will find repose, you will feel at home ! [Presses 
Ida to his breast.] You see you. love me still, your whole 
being shivers, palpitates in my arms ! 

[Enter Shumann, e. Hides behind tree.] 

Ida. [Tries to release herself.] Leave me, go, go ! 

De Gran. No, I am your lover ! Ah, do you not love me, 
Ida, say? [Kisses her.] 

[Shuina?tn fires pistol and rtms off, u. Ida places herself before 
Be Granville, as though to frotect him tvith her body.] 

De Gran. [looking into the woods.] What is it? 

Ida. [Faintly.] Fly, fly ! Somebody will come ! 

De Gran. You cannot go through the woods alone, I re- 
main ! [Looks anxiously at Ida, who seems about to fall.] 
Ida ! — Blood ! [Supports Ida.] Help ! — Help ! 



68 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

[Low music from orchestra until end of act. ^^ 

\^Enter SnuiiANiir, e. — Gun in hand.'] 

Shumajin. [Malcing sign to those following him.^ This "way, 
there he is, there he is ! 

\^Enter Me. and Mes- Delawaee, De. and Mks. Mayfield, 
E.OSA, Jenny, Chaeley, Pohpey with lautertis — Guests, ■r.'] 

Del. [Placing apistol against De Granville's forehead.] Is it you, 
wretch ? 

Ida. Stop, stop, oh, father ! [Del. drags Ida from De Gran- 
ville's arms, takes him hy the throat, again points pistol at 
him — Eosa, Doctor and Mrs. May field interpose between 
them — Ida drops to the ground — Rosa, Mrs. Mayfield, all the 
servants and guests surround her — Mrs. Del. and Shumann 
converse apart. ] 

Dr. May. I answer for his innocence, Mr. Delaware. 
[Pause — Goes to Ida.] 

Rosa. [To Del., leaving Ida.] At last the blood of the vic- 
tim flows ! Is your divinity not yet satiated, do you 
now want to commit a murder ! [Snatches pistol from his 
hand a7id throws it away.] lllstarred brother ! [Pointing 
to Shumann and Mrs. Del.] There are the guilty ones ! 
[Goes to Ida.] [Del. points De Granville imperiously to door.] 

Ida. Arthur! Arthur! 

Del. [Apart to De Granville, who tries to go to Ida, and- pushing 
him towarh door.] Leave, miscreant, or I will have you 
turned out ! 

Shumann. [Apart to De Granville ] Insolent coward go, or 
I will have you arrested ! 

{Enter Charley and Pohpey, e.] 

[Carrying a litter on juhich Ida is placed ivith great care, all 
helping except Del., Mrs Del. aud Shumann.] 

Del. [A])art to De Granville, pushing him out of door .] Go cur, 
do you hear me ! 



ACT THIRD. 69 

yExit De Geanville, l. JDel. pushes door bndaUi/.] 
hur ! Arthur ! 
3frs. Del. [Apart to Shiimann.'] What an awkward creature 



you are 



Shamann. [Apart to 3Irs. JJel.] I am in despair ! [Apart 

to Del.] My marriage will have to be put off! 
Bel. [Apart to Slminajin.'] Not for long; you shall lose 
nothing by it ! 
[ While Shuma7in, Delaicarc and Mrs. Del. converse, Charley and 

Pompeij raise Utter very carefully — Ladies take flowers from 

hair and dress and lay them on Ida'' s feet.] 

[Calcium light tiieown giudually on Ida. J 
Dr. May. [To Pompey and Charley carrying away Ida very 

slowly.] Steady ! Steady ! 
[All follow with deep sadness, except Del., 3Irs. Del. and Shumann 

who converse while leaving the stage.] 
Ida. [In fainting voice.] Arthur! 
Rosa. Hope, hope, Ida ! Behold the aurora of brighter 

days ! 

Tableau. 

CUETAIN. 

[ When curtain rises secoiid time, De Granville breaks open door (l) 
and watches Ida disappearing in the woods — Goes towards her, 
then drops on bench in attitude of deep sorrow.] 

Cdetain. 



% 



ACT FOURTH. 



Two weeks are supposed to have elapsed between 
the third and fourth act. 



Scene: — A ricldij furnished parlor in Delaware 8 house. — {New 
York.) — Sofas, talks, fanoply on wall, statues, vases of flowers, 
etc. — Doors: two C — 07ie L — one R. 

[Enter 'Ros.s.andM.'RS. Mayfield, c] 

[Rosa unfolding a paper.'] 

Rosa. [Coming down ivith Mrs. Mayfield.'] At last I have 
written proof of her guilt ! 

3frs. May. Is it possible ! 

Rosa. Having overheard them appointing a rendez-vous at 
Philadelphia, I had them followed by two detectives, 
[giving paper to Mrs. May.,] this is their affidavit ! 

Mrs. May. [Reading.] Infamous ! What a disgrace ! 

Rosa. [Talcing bach loaper.] Let us show it to Ida 

Mrs. May. No, the Doctor recommends her to avoid vio- 
lent emotion and it is better not to expose such a docu- 



ACT FOUETH. 71 

ment before a young girl, it is painful enough, to show 

it to her father. 
Rosa. Must I confess I have not the courage to plunge this 

tnife into his heart ! 
3Irs. May. Men really love only the woman they respect ! 

[^Starting ] But Mr. De Granville will consider it a duty 

to save your niece 

Rosa. Brother has just sent for him ! 

Mrs. Ma)j. For Mr. De Granville ! — In fact, I remember 

when I reproached Mr. Delaware for his unkindness, he 

told me he would like to see him and apologize. 
Rosa. Merely for form. 
3Irs. May. However, be sure and tell Mr. De Granville to 

use this only as a last resort 
Rosa. {Enclosing affidavit in an envelo-pe which she takes out of 

desk.] Jenny shall give it to him to read before enter- 
ing the parlor. \_Exit Rosa, c] 

{Ejxtcr Ida, r.] 
[ Walking slowly as though in pain. \ 
Ida. Naughty, always making yourself longed for ! [ They 

emir ace.'] 
3Irs. May. I was coming to your chamber ; I have so 

much to tell you ! 
Ida. [Reclining on sofa while 3Irs. May. takes a chair beside 

her.] Is his drama a success, was it well received ? 
Jlrs. 3Iay. A complete victory ; the theatre was crowded 

by a brilliant audience, the four acts were listened to 

with deep interest and applauded franticly ! 
Ida. Florence, how happy I should have been to witness 

the recognition of his talent in America ! Tell him that 

his triumph is all my happine.ss ! No, do not say that, 

I have no right to think of him ! 
3Irs. May. I'll say nothing, for I have repeated all this 

often, he knows it by heart. 



72 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Ida. "Why encourage illusions wliich must soon vanish, for- 
ever. 

Mrs. May. Now do not scold ; he asl:s about vou and I 
answer ; I must confess, though, that I acquainted him 
•with the cause of vour engagement to Mr. Shumann — 

Ida. \Alarmed.'\ You told Mr. De Granville that 1 be- 
lieved him dead, that I marry to please father ? 

Mrs. May. "Would you prefer he should think you do so 
to increase your weakh ? 

Ida. No, but what did he .say ? 

Mrs. May. He will tell you himself in a few minutes. 

Ida \Slarling.'\ Mr. De Granville coming hero ? 

Mrs. May. And in state, invited by your father. 

Ida. By father ! 

Mrs. May. Are you sorry ? 

Ida. I am in a rather singular toilette ! {^Arranges dress.'\ 

Mrs. May 0, that's the trouble. \Aside^^ This is prom- 
ising ! 

Ida. \^Arrangxny her toilette.'] I am in the parlor, merely, by 
chance — 

Mrs. May. [Laughs aside — Aloud.'] Of course you are ! 
\ Aside.] Love trying to cheat conscience ! 

Ida. [Timidly and arranging her hair.] If I only had a 
ribbon, a llower — 

Mrs. May. [Runriing toicards dear, n.] "Wait, wait! 

Ida. Make haste, dear ! Bring a looking-glass. [Arran- 
ges herself.] 

Mrs. May. [Near door.] A looking glass. [Laughing., 
aside.] Love wins ! [Exit., e.] 

Ida. May I yet hope to be his wife ! Does father s busi- 
ness begin to brighten and his conscience to speak? 
Painful suspense. [Pause.] He will find me greatly 
changed I I wish I was beautiful ! 



ACT FOUETH. 73 

\^Enter Mks. Mayfield and Rosa, k.J 
[JTfs. May field carries a hox full of laces, ribbons, etc., — Bosa 

carries mirror, box of powder.] 
Mrs. May. There is the box of mischief ; woman's arsenal. 

\Puts lace box on chair near Ida.] 
Rosa. Enough here to soften the toughest bachelor heart. 

[Puts mirror and box of powder on chair.] 
Ida. [As Rosa imcovers her shoulders.] Oh ! 
Rosa. Men think we never hide anything we dare show. 
Mrs. May. [To Rosa, placiny a lace scarf around Ida's shoulders ] 

Mystery makes woman's power. 
Rosa. [To Mrs. Mayfidd, powderiny Ida's shoulders.] It is our 

duty to aid nature. [Mrs. Mayfield arranyes Ida's toilette. 

— Ida looks at herself in mirror. — Rosa takes ribbons from the 

box, offering them to Mrs. May.] Red and green, fire and 

hope ! 
Mrs. May. [To Rosa, tying a blue ribbon in Ida's hair.] Blue, 

fidelity ! 
Rosa. [Placing a black patch near Ida's mouth.] Now the 

ticklish mole ! 
Ida. [Alarmed, looking at herself in mirror.] no, that's too 

full of meaning ! 
Mrs. May. [Placiny on Ida's neck a velvet with diamond cross 

attached.] Take courage, as soon as he enters, it will 

stick on the end of his nose 

Ida. [Alarmed.] 0, he will know the cross he gave me ! 

No, I ought to part with it, I give it to you. 
Mrs. May. Impossible, the Doctor says, in dull times, 

diamonds are very injurious to a wife's health. [Ida 

lauyhs.] . 
Rosa. Just like Timothy ! [Aside.] Who loves me always 

as simple as nature ! [Exit, e, carry iny off box of powder.] 
Ida. [In abstracted tone, looking at herself in the mirror, while 



74 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Mrs. May. takes a camelia from her hclt.'] "Well, on that 

consideration O what's this now ? 

3Irs. Mai/. {Mockhighj and -placincj camelia on Ida''s corsage.'] 

my, my ! Only a flower he asked me to place near 

your bed to keep you company. {^Arranges flower.^ 
Ida. Dear Arthur ! 
3Irs. May. But as you are up, I put it there. \_Looh vt the 

effect.'] 
Ida. I don't know what to think of myself, this cross, this 

flower, this mole ! \_Loohs at herself in viirror.] 
Mrs. May. Are very becoming to you. \_Futling things in 

basket.] Ho will endorse me. 
Ida. [Looking at herself in glass.] Do you think so ? 

\_Ei4er Rosa, c] 
Rosa. \_Apart to 3Irs. May field.] My brother has ordered 

Jenny to show him up stairs, but 

Mrs. May. You told her to bring him 

Rosa. Eight here ! 

Mrs. 3fay. A good chat with him may change her mind 

and Mr. Delaware can wait 

Rosa, Until they are through ! 

[Lnter Jenny, c] 
[Mrs. May field atid Rosa exeunt hastily, carrying of basket and 

mirror ] 
Jenny. [To I)e Granville, before he enters.] Please take a 

seat. 

[Enter De Qkanville, c] 
[Finishing her phrase in low voice.] And your time ! [Exit c, 

laughing aside.] 
[Ida goes toivards De Granville.] 
De Gran. Take care, you are not strong yet ! 
Ida. [Leading him towards sofa ] I am better, much better ! 

[Sits on sofa.] 



ACT FOUETH. 75 

De Gran. My presence must surprise you. \SiU near sofa.\ 

Ida. No, father asked you to come and see him. 

De Gran You know it ! Do you know why ? 

Ida. [Inquirhif/Ii/.j No ? 

J)e Gran. No wonder. [Astde.} It is humiliating for 
him to acknowledge that he was forcing on her, as a 
husband, a low villain 

Ida. '\Timidhj.'] And you, do you know why ! 

De Gran. I do. [^Aside.'] I can not expose her father's 
shame ! 

Ida. ITimidhj.] Will you tell me ^ 

Be Gran. Your father will be here, presently, and he will 
explain. 

Ida. [Aside^ impatienthj .] Mute as a fish. [Alotid.] Perhaps 
he desires to felicitate you on your drama ? 

De Gran. \_Lau{jlung.'] 0, better than that ! 

Ida. Better still ! And yet that is a success. 

De Gran. A half one only, you were not there. 

Ida. {^With anger.'] Do nol regret it! \_Controling her im- 
patience.'] As I have never been for you, but a cause of 
suflfering. 

De Gran. Which you have nobly shared ; besides happi- 
ness is always accompanied by some trouble, like a 
pretty coquette by an ugly woman, for the sake of con- 
trast. \_Iaiighs.] 

Ida. You are very gay to day. 

De Gran. Why not, when I see that you no longer fear to 
wear, [points to cross on Ida''s neck,] that Souvenir. [Aside.] 
Decidedly, I am gaining ground ! 

Ida. [Confusedly.] Mrs. Mayfield put it on me — 

De Gran. By force, of course, and the camelia — 

Ida. I did know that — 

De Gran. [Carressing Ida.] It came from me — You blush • 



76 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Where are the days when my carresses seemed natural ! 

Ida. \_Confusedlij .'] Then we were about to be married. 

De Gran. And now — \ Pause.] 

Ida. Our situation is — [Pause.l 

De Gran. {Putting arm around her ivaist ] Just the same ! 

Ida. [^Starting pushing him off.'\ Eh ! — what do you say ? 

De Gran. Yes, my darling, we are on the eve of marriage, 
here is the proof. \_Kisses her."] 

Ida, 0, Mr. De Granville ! 

De Gran. This can not harm you ! 

Ida. [Pushing htm off.'] No, no explain ! 

De Gran. Easily : when papa sent for me, not being ac- 
customed to such kindness, I ran to Dr. Mayfield to 
announce the good news and he told me he had just 
received a letter from Europe, the contents of which he 
could only impart to your aunt, but which cuts Shumann 
off arms and legs. [Laughs.'] 

Ida. [Thinking.] Arms and legs ! 

De Gran. He advised me, if this news caused you any 
pain to administer twenty soothing drops in this form. 
[Ksscs her.] 

Ida. [Pushing him off.] pray, don't, Mr. De Granville ! 

De Gran. It is the physician's prescription. [Laughs.] 

Ida. Mr. Shumann shall not be treated so ! 

De Gran. Why, this is nothing! I have already thrown an 
enormous stone at him, which your father no »y has, to 
it I owe the pleasure of this moment, and more, Jenny 
has just given me an instrument with which I am going 
to cut off his head ! 

Ida. [IhinJcing.] His head 1 

De Gran. His head. [^Laughs.] 

Ida. [Aside.] What is going on unknown to me, can 
aunt's suspicions have any foundation ! [Aloud., referring 
to her incertitude.] This is horrible ! 



ACT FOURTH. 77 

De Gran. [^Refcrring to Shummms situation.'] Horrible, and 
I admit tliat after Dr. Majfield's surgical operations and 
mine, Mr. 81iumann will be so reduced, that he will not 
make a husband at all presentable. \_Laughs, carressing 
Ida.] 

Ida. {^Pushing him off.] What do you mean '? — You forget 
I am engaged ! 

De Gran. To me first, and long ago ; where would be the 
advantage of the long engagements, a la mode Americaine, 
if they did not permit some little discount. yLaughs.] 

Ida. For pity's sake why do you jest? 

De Gran. Because your father himself will soon place this 
dear little hand iu mine. 

Ida. impossible! [Timidly.] Are you sure ? 

J)e Gran. [Pointing to his pocket.] I have, here, more than 
sufficient causes to be sure of what I say. [Puts arm 
around her tvaist.] If I do not show them to you, it is to 
spare your beautiful eyes the sad revelations they con- 
tain. 

Ida. Never mind, I want to see them, I ought to ! 
[Enter Delaware, c] 

[While Be Gran, has his arm around Ida's waist. Del. 
stops at door loohng at them angrilg. — They do not see him.] 

De Gran. [To Ida, putting hand to his pocket.] If you insist — 

Ida. [Seeing her father and rising.] Fathei' ! [Be Granville 
rises also.] 

Bel. [Coming doivn, with anger.] Ida, it is ridiculous to re- 
main so long iu the parlor, the first time you have left 
your chamber ! 

Ida. I fell well, very well, papa. 

Bel. [Angrily to Ida.] Go to your room, I desire it, I com- 
mand it ! [Ida and Be Granville look at each other with con- 
sternation ] [Exit Ida, k, weeping.'] [Aside.] Curse him, 



78 THE GOLDEN GALE. 

he must have told her all ! \_Pause, aloud.'] I thank you, 
sir, for responding to my request after the regretable 
events which have passed between us. [Ptcshes chair to 
De Granville who accepU it ] 

De Gran. To Miss Delaware's father I owe regard and can 
forgive much. 

Del. I wish to speak respecting the papers which you sent 
and of which, doubtless, you have already informed my 
daughter. 

Be Gran. I did not think it requisite. 

Del. {Aside.] That relieves me. [Aloud.] The check is 
acquitted, consequently done with ; as to the note signed 
by Mr. Shumann, instead of being against him 

De Gran. Sir, you do not understand that There is 

nothing wrong in this, you say ? 

Del. Nothing ; I regret that Mrs, Delaware accepts so 
great an amount for her charitable donations, but it 
proves that after his marriage, Mr. Shumann will have 
means and this is certainly a good recommendation. 
However, as these papers are my wife's property, I have 
the right to ask you how you obtained them. 

De Gran. I can not reply to that question, sir. 

Del [Aside.] Strange ! [Aloud.] Your silence then author- 
izes me to make any supposition. [Rises.] 

De Gran. [Rising.] You forget, sir, I am under your 
roof and by your invitation ! — I beg again you will re- 
turn me the documents. 

Del. What do you wish to do with them ? 

De Gran. To submit them to Miss Ida and 

Del. To my daughter ? Never ! [Puts papers in pocket.] , 

De Gran. [Aside. | I must strike harder, useless to spare 
him! [Aloud, giving a paper.] Please read this. 

Del. [Talcing papter. aside. \ What now? [Reading ^vith stupor, 



ACT FOURTH. 79 

aside '\ My wife is deceiving me ! \_Pause^ And I never 

refused her money ! [ With resignation.'] Shumann takes 

advantage of my position with his father ! \_Pause.'\ He 

dares to marry my child ! — And I give her over to such 

a scamp ! — 0, I can not ! 
Be Gran. \_Aside.'] This time the blow has taken effect. 
Del. l^Aside.'] But then, I am ruined, poor, despised ! No, 

no! \_Pause. extending hand to De Granville.'] Do me a 

service 

De Gran. \_Taking his hand warmly.] What, to vindicate 

your honor ? Speak, I will ! • 
Del. ICon/identiallg.] Let us keep this secret! 
De Gran. \_Starting ] And it would not suffocate you ! I 

refuse ! 
Del. [Pause, raises his arm as if to strike De Granville, who 

looks at him sadly, hut unmoved.] How cruel you are to 

bring on me such sorrow ! 
De Gran. I would give my life to spare you it, but Ida's 

welfare exacts the truth, I must be inexorable ! 
Del. Her welfare ? Why, I am her father ! 

De Gran. And I her lover ! — She only marries Mr. Shu- 
mann because believing me dead she contracted her en- 
gagement and considers herself bound to fulfill it ; she 
hopes also to save your fortune, your name, by her filial 
devotion ; were I the only victim, I should not be here 
torturing her father's heart ; yet some day, you too, may 
bless me ! [Turns to leave.] 

Del. Stay, help me to find some issue out of the trying 
position you have placed me in. 

De Gran. I shall be too glad to comfort you 

Del. [Lowering voice.] Your marriage with my daughter, 
by ruining me, will bring shame on her; will you not 
then make a sacrifice in her behalf? 



80 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

De Gran. \fitarting.'\ Renounce lier? [Prt«S(?.] The one 
Ida is about to marry will make her miserable ! 

Del. [Cojifi dent fall y.'] At fii'st, but wealth by making her 
powerful, will breed vanity which soon stifles all other 
feeling; ambition to outvie in luxury, the brilliance of 
beauty, the goad of rivality will deaden the heart; her 
husband will be nothing but a name and whatever may 
be her private conduct, society dazzled will close its eyes 
and prostrate itself before her golden aureola ! 

De Gran. \^Afside.'] Wretched man ! {_Aloud.'] And such 
a pi'ospect for your child does not terrify you ? 

Del. My young friend, it is a consequence of Ida's position ; 
we must be either rich or poor in this world, and man's 
first duty is to make a fortune 

De Gran. Honorably, at least ! 

Del. Legally ! — Therefore I oiler you 



De Gran. Useless sir, useless ! [Pause.'] My mission is 
ended, I have opened your eyes to the truth, I, now, 
leave you with your conscience ! \_Turns to leave.'] 

Del. [Alarmed, detaining him.] Well, what are you going 
to do? 

De Gran. My duty ! [Retires regretfully towards door., c. — 
Stands at door, looking sadly at Delaware.] 

[Loiv music from orchestra until Rosa enters.] 

Del. [Aside.] His duty ! — I, also, will do mine while I yet 
have courage ! [Takes poignard from panoply to strike him- 
self — De Granville rushes forivard and catches his arm.] 

De Gran. What ! kill yourself while there are still hearts 
that cherish you ! [Del. drops on armchair in attitude of 
stupor.] Poor father, take courage, live for love ! In- 
stead of speculating on the misfortunes of people, pro- 
tect art, encourage industry, aid the workingmen, live 
to serve your country ! 



ACT FOURTH. 81 

Bel. My country ! It is corrupt to the back-bone, I wish 
I could leave it, I am ashamed of it ! 

Be Gran. \ Starting .'] Stay, do not blaspheme the name of 
your country ! The evil which oppresses you to-day is 
only the ordinary disorder of a hurrying crowd ; repose 
yourself, take breath, there is before you infinite space 
and liberty ! Americans, fortunate people, against 
whom no tradition raises its barrier, may the sacred 
pride of patriotism inflame you, open your hearts to the 
noble examples of your heroes, to the sublimity of nature 
surrounding you ; and the land of great streams, bound- 
less lakes and plains, the land of AVashington will soon 
become, again, a land of giants! [Pause, De Granville 
watching the effect of his appeal on Belaware.] 
\_Enter Rosa, c] 

[Goes towards Bel. to give him a 2}(iper.'\ 

Del. [To Rosa, ivith rage.'} Let me alone, you crazy crea- 
ture ! [ JFalks agitatedly.'] 

Rosa. [Giving paper to De Gran.'] I just received this from 
Dr. Mayfield ! [Signs to Be Granville to read.] [JExit, l j 

De Gran. [To Bel., after reading.] This is important to 
you, sir ! 

Del. [Reads and suddenly looks with stupor at paper. — Catches 
Be Granville hy the hand.] What is this ! [Friglitened, 
throws paper on table.] Do my eyes deceive me ! [Pause.] 
I am mad ! — No, no ! [Pause, drags Bu Granville towards 
table. — Pointing to paper.] Read, read aloud! 

De Gran. [Reading.] " Mr. Shumann, as also other ban- 
" kers of Germany, has been arrested for subscribing, 
" secretly, immense sums to the French war loan."* 



■ Imprisonment of German Bankers for subscribing to the French loan. 
Berhn, January 4tb, 1871. 



82 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Bel. I read truly then ! — traitor ! — monstrous ! He 
advised me to sell that he might buy from me ! I have 
paid him enormous difi'erenees on fictitious accounts I — 
Oh! [Walks about agitatedly tvithoui noticing De Granville.'] 

De Gran. You have no farther need of me, sir? 

Del. [ JF/th ahdracled air.] No, no ! [ Walks alaut agitatedly .] 
For months he has been ruining me, oh ! \Sto2)s to read 
dispatch over.] 

De Gran. [Aside.] Wife, child, country are nothing to 
him, cold, living corpse ! [ Goes towards door, turning back 
several times, looks sadly towards Delaware.] [Exit, c] 

Del. I will make them pay me back to the last cent ! 
[Falls panting into armchair.] 

[Enter Eosa, l.] 

[ Cautiously advances towards Del.] 

Del. [Aside.] This is an atrocious plot ! [To Rosa.] I will 
have his son arrested the moment he again puts foot in 
New York ! 

Rosa. The order is already gipen. 

Del. Good ! [ With rage.] As for her [ Walks about ag- 
itatedly.] 

Rosa. I hope you will, at last, procure a divorce 

Del. Indeed it is time ! [Patise.] However, not being 
able, now, to draw upon their house, I shall have to 
borrow from you 

Rosa. Take all I have, only get rid of them ! 

Del [ Writing.] " Sell Miss Eosa's bonds and dispose of 
the amount." [Rising, to Rosa.] Approve this ! [Rings.] 

Rosa. [Sits to write.] Not for long, as I am on the eve of 
changing my name 

Del. [In abstracted tone.] When you like. [Eosa signs.] 
{ Enter Ch.\klet, c] 

Del. [To Charley.] Carry this to the office. [Gives him 



ACT FOUETH. 83 

letter.'] \_Exit Charley, c.j What an infernal conspiracy! 

My blood boils in my veins ! I choko with, rage ! [Exit, c] 
Rosa. Ha, ha, ha, ha ! — What a smash up ! — Ha, ha ha, 

ha! 

[Enter Jackson, c] 
[Looks at her in surprise, while she lau(/hs.] 
Jackson. [Coming down.'] She has been stung by the tar- 
antula ! 
Rosa. [Lrmghinj, throws herself into his arms.] All the Shu- 

manns are in jail ! Ah, ah, ah, ah ! And before long 

she will be turned out ! [Thei/ laugh heartily.] Let us 

be married now, on the sly, eh ? [_They laugh heartily.] 
Jack. [With meaning.] In a hurry ! [They laugh.] 
Rosa. Like little culprits ! [They laugh.] 
Jack. And we'll go right off to Europe. [They laugh.] 
Rosa. To Cythera, on our wedding tour ! [ They laugh and 

embrace.] 
Jack. [Aside.] Or I'll be a cashiered cashier ! [Trys to 

laugh.] 
Rosa. [Laughing.] We'll live on the fat of the land ! [They 

laugh with delight.] When my brother returns my fortune ! 

[She laughs alone.] 
Jack. [Starts, alarmed.] Is it in his hands ? 
Rosa. For a while. [Jack, turns to leave, Rosa, alarmed, holds 

him by his coat.] Stop, stop 1 
Jack. [Trying to disengage himself.] I can't ! [Aside.] The 

old trooper, she has the best of me ! 
Rosa. [ Weepimj and holding Jack.] Your earnings will be 

enough [ Weejys.] 

Jack. [Trying to go.] For a canary bird ! 
Rosa. [ Weeping.] I'll keep a boarding house ! 
Jack. That only pays for gay widows ! 
Rosa. We will be economical ! [ Weeps.] 



84 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Jach. A decent wedding would swallow half a year of my 
salary ! 

Rosa. \_Excitedhj, taking a newspaper from table.'] Here is a 
minister who advertises cheap ceremonies. [Eeadiuff ] 
" Divorces obtained." \_With disgust.] Ugh! 

Jaoh. [^Aside.] Not yet ! 

Rosa. \_Starting ] Ah ! \^Reading.] " Marriage made easy 
"at popular prices, — Address, Eeverend Post Office." 

Jach. Humbug, I'm off for the Black Hills! {Tarns to 
leave.] 

Rosa. \_Weeping and holding him hy his coat.] I'll go with 
you. 

JacJc. To be scalped ? 

Rosa. Scalped ! 

Jack. Bald as a turnip ! 

Rosa. \_Solhing ] What a crown for a faithful maiden ! 

{Weeps.] 
. Jack. Then get your money from your brother ! 

Rosa._ [ Weeping ] I will, right away 1 

Jack. And let me see it 

Rosa. [ With meaning.] In my chamber ! — Business between 
an almost bride and groom should be private ! 

Jack. [Aside.] I better go for a passport to Havana, in 
case of need, no extradition law there ! {Aloud, going tip 
stage ivith Rosa, in totie of restrained anger.] Good bye, 
sweet heart ! {Uxit, c] 

Rosa. {Throwing him a kiss.] Good bye ! {Near door.] 
Slipping through my fingers for the second time! [ Coming 
down.] Almost a breach of promise case ! {Sits preparing 
to write.] Men can not be relied upon, they must be 
taken by surprise ! — Ah, Mrs. Potipha I understand you 
now! {Writing.] "Eeverend sir, your services are 

anxiously solicited at No. Madison avenue. {Rings 

the hell.] Blessed man! {Writes address.] 



ACT FOUETH. 85 

\^Enter Pompey c] 

Rosa. {Giving h'm disjjatch.'] Fly, fly ! [Pompei/ runs to door, c] 

Pompey. [Stops at door.] To the Post Office ? 

jRosa. [ With rage ] No, telegraph ! [Exit Pompet, run- 
ning, c] Now for my money and my travelling suit ! 
[Exit running, l.] 

[Eyiter Ida and Delaware, k.] 

[They converse, promenading slowly.'] 

Ida. If Mr. Shumann, like his father, has abused your 
confidence, I must certainly consider my engagement 
with him broken. 

Bel. Then accept one of the young men I mentioned to 
3'ou, they are rich and I know their families intimately, 
but the only thing certain about Mr. De Granville is his 
utter poverty. 

Ida. The man we love is always rich enough. You will 
soon judge him better and realize that his entrance into 
our family will be the signal of a new life • 

Del. Ta-ta ta — A young girl's romance! He simply counts 
on you or me to make a fortune 

Ida. [Reproachfully.'] father! he counts on my ten- 
derness to sustain, to console him in the hour of trial, 
to develope his talent by encouraging his labors which 
I would protect, [with humility,] as the fragile leaf pro- 
tects the fruit. 

Del. You forget that with him your fortune is indispensi- 
ble ; his position would make it impossible for you to 
assist your father as your aunt has just set you the good 

example 

[Enter Eosa, l.] 

[In travelling suit.] 

Rosa. [Excitedly.] I vvant my money, I must have my 



money 



86 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Del. [Twming his hack, walks alout agitatedly.] It is gone ! 

[/f/rt sits on sofa thinkinrj.] 
Rosa. [Follotving Del.] I need it, I must have it ! 
Del. [Angrily.] It is all gone to the last penny I tell you! 
Rosa. [Solhivg.] I am cheated, this is a robbery ! [Drops 

soblifig on sofa near Ida.'] 
Ida. [To Rosa.] Aunty, trust to me, I can help you before 

long. 
Rosa. Happily a monster may generate an angel ! [Kisses 

Ida.] 
Ida. [Apart to Rosa.] The evil removed all the traces will 

soon disappear! 
Rosa. A scar so deep defaces forever ! 
Del. \_8top2)ing near Ida.'] If you disregard my consent, count 

no more on my affection. \_Exit, c] 
Rosa. [Running after him.] Nor you on my money ! [Dxit, c] 
[Enter Delaware and Timothy, c] 

[Exit Ida, e,J 
Del. You wish to see me, sir ? 
Timothy. [Trcnibling and in preaching tone] As the advocate 

of my conscience — [Breaks down.] 
Del. Yes, I know ! [Aside.] This morning's dispatch 

will bring down on me all the lawyers of New York ! 

[Aloud.] Who sent for you, sir? [Tim. trembling, unable 

to speak, shotvs Rosa's telegram.] Rosa ! What she knows 

about my business ? 
Tim. In an agony of despair — [Breaks down.] 
Del. to the point ! [Sits and ivrites] 
Tim. During a night of raging tempest, all the seductions 

of hell — [Breaks doivn.] 

[Enter Sceapeall, c] 
[Out of breath, a large portefolio under his arm.] 
Scrapeall [Boioing profoundly.] Mr. Delaware, your most 

devoted servant ! 



ACT FOURTH. * 87 

Del. [To Tim.] I do not need any lawyer, fortunately, 
leave sir ! [ TFrifes.] 

Scrap. [Placing himself ' etween Del. and Tim.] Fear nothing, 
Mr. Delaware, I am here and I would die, ten times, for 
you ! [Pushes Tim. toicards Rosa's room, l.] 

l>el. \_Aside.'\ There is that legal plague ! [Writes.] 

Scrap. [To Tim., pushing him.] Unprincipled pettyfogger ! 
Disgrace of the New York bar ! 

[Scrapeall pushes Timothi/ against the door of Rosa's room, l., 
. Timothy falls in, Scrapeall locks him in, giving him a kick.] 

Del. [Aside^ during the preceding. | What birds of prey these 
lawyeis are ! [ Writes.] 

Scrap. [^Coming to Del.] I come as an angel of peace 

[^Searches in 20ortefolio.] 

Del. [Aside.] He looks like one ! 

Scrap. To bring rest and comfort to the weary brain! [ Holds 
paper.] Mr. Shumann's son, \^Del. listens,] in behalf of 
his father, has confided to my honor a power of attorney 
which authorizes me to settle, with you, their account, so 
they beg you will accept these drafts to tlieir order ! 

Del. I accept nothing and iuvito you to retire. [ Writes.] 

Scrap. Mr. Delaware, believe me, it is with sadness I per- 
form this distressing obligation ! 

Del. That is to say, Shumann's sou, imagining that I am 
yet ignorant of his father's imprisonment for subscribing 
to the French loan, which he always advised me to sell, 
tries to get out of me as much as possible, before the 
news reaches me. ( Writes.] 

Scrap. [^Aside.] Too late ! I have lost fifty thousand dol- 
lars ! A few minutes sooner and I should have been 
an honorable capitalist ! 

Del. \Risi71g.] Instead of my being Mr. Shumann's debtor, 
he is mine. 



88 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Scrap, I feared this was the case, and I am seriously 

alarmed for the son's future. 

Bel. I'll keep your client safely locked up 

Scrap. Ten years, in state prison, for 

Del. Forgery! [Shows forged check.'] 
Scrap. I am discouraged with him ! 

Del. Unless you consent to 

Scrap. To help you ? As a brother, Mr. Delaware ! 

Del. Hurry up, cancel my account. \_ScrapeaIl signs.'] And 

leave your power of attorney. [Talcing paper from Scrape- 

aWs han ^s.] Is this all square ? 
Scrap. As a lawyer's conscience ! 
Del. [Gives moneg to ScrapealL] Now Shumann's son can 

go on farther to hang, I will order his release. [Sits to 

write. — Scrajjeall counts his moneg.] 
Scrap. not yet, Mr. Delaware, one hundred is not a fee 

for G. Wiggler Scrapeall, give me time to remunerate 

myself through the Shumanns ; honest men should 

always stand by each other ! 
Del. Pursue the case, then, on j'our own account. [ Writes.] 
Scrap. [Aside.] Heaven bo thanked ! To-morrow I will 

move on to Fifth avenue or I'll let Shumann die in jail! 
Del. [Givirtg pa2)er.] For my part I am through with them. 

[Throwing himself into chair.] And with you also ! 
Scrap. [Talcing portefolio and hat.] Permit me to retire under 

the delightful impression of this interview, which seals 

for ever my unlimited devotion. [Exit, c] 
Del. [Rising.] At last I breathe freely ! I owe the Shu- 
manns nothing now and this rids me of my greatest 

trouble. 

[Enter Mes. Delaware, c] 
[Del. holes at her menacinglg .] 
Mrs. Del. Well, dearest, I'm back again ! [Noticing DeVs 



ACT FOURTH. 89 

attitude.'] What is the matter ? [^Del. extends paper to her ] 
An affidavit! [Aside.'] I have been followed! — 
[Del points to door ordering her to leave.] — Leave 
this house! \ Pause, looking at Del. ironicalli/.] Fool! Do 
you seek to intimidate me ? What have you to com- 
plain of, you my leader in vice ? Did you not help me 
to kill your first wife with grief? I was young, poor and 
already depraved, but you were old, rich and she had 
given you a child ! Has my lord, to-day, a heart sen- 
sitive to shame where before he never had anything but 
a cold dollar ! — I, leave this house? Indeed ! [Laughs.] 
A woman of my stamp is seldom taken unawares ; it is 
you and yours will leave, when I wish, for this house is 
mine ! 

Del. I JFith stupor ] Yours ! 

Mrs. Del. I bought it ! 

Del. [Approaching her furiously.] With what money ? 

3Irs. Del. With yours ! [Pause.] As I have sold all the 
real estate ! [Looks at him defiantly.] 

Del. [Pause, overcome hy emotion and anger. — Recovering ] You 
sold my real estate ! 

Mrs. Del. Was it not in my name to defraud your credi- 
tors ? 

Del. [Aside.] My real estate, my last resource ! [Sits on 
chair near table, lays head on arms, weeping. — Rising suddenly 
and going furious towards 3Irs. Del,] I will take all from 
you! 

Mrs. Del. On what proof, what plea ? The deed of re-con- 
veyance? I burned it, as it was not recorded ! 

Del. [Patfse. — Aside.] I am trapped, tied ! [ IFeeps.] 

Mrs. Del. I, leave this house ! [Laughs.] When absorbed 
by your thirst for gold, you needed a brutish, facile love, 
you came to me, do not fear, I will keep you, until I am 



90 THE GOLDEN CALF 

ready to fling you aside ! [Pause.'\ Your daughter's 
fortune, also, will escape you, as Sliumann's note is to 
my order ; you forgot it, idiot ! [ Pause, ehanging tone.'] 
I, who intended to give you the whole sum as a sur- 
prise ! [ Weeps. '\ 

Del. \_Timidly.] I could not divine the usage you meant 
to put it to . 

3Irs. Del. [ Weeping.'} I would have made you rich after 
your ruin. I Wipes tears atvat/.] 

Del. [Wiping away tears.} I was too hasty, forgive me! 
[Aside. } horrible slavery ! 

3Irs. Del. [Aside^^ There is no more question of my infi- 
delity. [Aloud, in carressing tone.} Why do you doubt 
me ? 

Del. [Extending hand.} Let us forget all about it. [Aside.} 
How shall I tell her that her lover is in prison '? 

3Irs. Del. Yes, and take measures to av^oid the danger 
with which we are threatened by De Granville, who, 
now, has means to remain in New York if he chooses. 

Del. He gave me the affidavit 

Mrs. Del. [Starting.} De Grauville ! [Aside.} He had 
me followed in Philadelphia at Ida's suggestion! [Aloud.} 
I will be revenged. [Aside.} On him and on her ! 

Del. I had a conversation with Ida awhile ago, which as- 
sures me she does not yet know about it. [Mrs. Del. 
looks incredulous.} But she knows the Shumanns have 
deceived me. 

Mrs. Del. [Starts. — Aside.} He has found that out ! [Aloud, 
innocentlg.} They deceived you ? 

Del. [Tiniidhj.} I learned it through Doctor Mayfield. 
You know, the son, Fritz, is in prison 

Mrs. Del. [Angrily.} What imprudence ! 

Del. [Timidly.} My sister did it; but De Granville gave 



ACT FOUETH. 91 

me these. [Shows papers ivhich she recorpiizes as hers, snatches 
them and reads eagerly.'] 

Mrs. Bel. [As choking ivith emotion.'] He gave you these! 

I>el. Refusing to tell how he obtained them. 

Mrs Bel [ J^^dh rage.] And my deeds, my diamonds, my 
bonds ! [Sohs loudlg.] 

-Del. Your deeds ! Your bonds ! 

Ilrs. Bel. The fortune I saved ! [Sohs loudlg.] 

Del. [Starting.] All in De Granville's hands ! Oh the 
scamp, oh ! [Walks cibout agitatedly.] 

Mrs. Del It is a put up job between your daughter and 
him. [Sols loudlg.] 

Del. Enter a complaint against him for burglary 

Mrs. Del. [Wiping awag tears.] He shall be arrested in- 
stantly, at any cost, that he may 'have no communication 
with Ida. [Lnperativelg .] Mr. Shumann must be her 
husband ! 

Del. [Sujyplicatinglg.] But return my money. 

Mrs. Del. All may yet be arranged by giving Ida to un- 
derstand that the news from Germany is of no import- 
ance to you. [Gives pajjers back to Del.] 

Del. I will, but for pity's sake look after De Granville ! 

3Iis. Del. [lenderlg.] I go and leave you to repent, in- 
grate ! [Exit., c ] 

Bel. [Pause.] If he has already left the country ! [Sinks 
weeping into armchair.] Shumann, my wife, even Ida my 
child, all conspire against me ! [ Weeps ] 
[^osk peeps iyi cautiouslg, v..] 

Rosa. [Entering.] She is gone, I triumph ! [Looking at Del J 
Grief bows him down ; fortunately the remembrance of 
women like her passes away quickly, as a miasma which 
the faintest pure breeze dissipates ! [Aloud, in mild tone 
of stipplication.] Brother, do let me have my money ! 



92 THE GOLDEN CALE. 

Del. Oh, let me be ! Can you believe De Granville 

( Enter Charley, c] 

{Interrupting Delaware. ] 

Charley. Miss Eosa is waited for in her chamber. \_Exit, c] 

Eosa. [Starting, aside.] Timothy! The die is cast! [Aloii(l.'\ 
I must have my money now, or I will borrow. 

Del. [Eises and tval/a about imjxiiientlg.] Borrow, borrow! 

Hosa. [ Tf^ith rage and weeping.] On your account, at ten, at 
fifty, at a hundred per cent ! [Exit, l J 

Del. [ Wiping tears aivag.'] How young I am yet to give 
wa}' to sentimentality, to trust anything but the power 
of money, I, a business man ! and when skill, shrewd- 
ness, alone can save me ! [Pause.] I wtll question Ida 
and learn the whereabouts of her high toned French 
gentleman I [Goes towards door, b.] 

Hosa. [Screaming in her room.'] Fire ! Murder ! Help ! 
[Del. turns hack, all the servants rush in, c] 
\_L71ter Eosa, l.] 

[She dashes out of lier room frightened and holding her dress close 
aroimd her. — The door of her room is left wide open.] 

Rosa. [Pointing under her led.] A male under my virgin 
couch, oh ! 

[Enter Jackson, l.] 

[Holding Tim. bg the coat collar. — Tim.^s eyes are blackened, his 
hat smashed, he holds his carpet bag.] 

Del. [To Tim.] You again and in my sister's room I Who 
are you ? 

Timothy. [Trembling.] I am 

JacJc. A thief, of course ! 

Tim. [Looking in his bag.] Your lawyer [Breaks down, 

trembling.] 

Del. [Aside.] Oh, these lawyers ! 

Tim. [ Giving card to Del. — Finishes his phrase, pointing to Rosa''s 
room.] Locked me in ! 



ACT FOUETH. 93 

I>el. ^Starts, reading card.} Reverend Timothy Knapp ! 
Jack. [With pluck.} Here I am ! [Aside.] In a tight fix ! 
Tim. Rosa, you remember your poor old Knapp who 

[ Whispers in Rosa's ear. ] 
Rosa. my heart! 
Del. [Angrily referring to Rosa's situation.] Rosa, what's the 

matter ? 
Rosa. A fulness ! 

Del. No, this is a scandal ! Which of the two is 

Rosa. [Between Tim. and Jack., looks at both smiling. — Taking 

the arm of each.] I don't know! [Tim and Jack, menace 

each other ] 
Del. [To Tim. and Jack.] Clear out both of you ! 
Rosa. [Weeping.] Have pity, brother, on your swooning 

sister ! 
Titn. [To Del., tremhling.] Permit me, first, to return [feels 

in his bag] the ten thousand I owe you ! [Presents moneg.] 
[Exit Jackson. — Running aivay, c. — Rosa nearly fainting, 

Jenny fans her.] 
Del. [To Tim.] Stay, stay my friend ! [To the servants, 

pointing to Jack.] Stop him, stop him ! [Exit running, c, 

with all the servants, after Jackson.] 
Jenny. Wake up. Miss Rosa, here is your Timothy. 
Rosa. [Sobbing.] The other was fatter ! Oh! 
Tim. [Sobbing.] But I am the genuine ! [Rosa and Tim. 

fall into each others arms.] 
Jenny. [Aside.] The poor old girl is badly ofi" ! 

[Enter Pompey c] 
[Brandishing a wig.] 
Pompey. Miss Rosa, look, look ! 

Rosa. [With rage.] You scalped him? — And his whiskers? 
Pompey. [Excitedly.] Forgot em ! [Runs off, c] 
Rosa. [To Tim.] Come after him, he was hunting on your 

grounds! [[Exeunt, c. l.] 



94 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

[JiJnier Del out of breath. — Mrs. Del. — De Gkanville 

chained and in charge of two policemen, c. e. — All the servants 

foUoiv. — Jenny ivee])s.^ 
Mrs. Bel. \_To Del., pointing to De Granville.'] We have him ! 

[^ToJcnng.] Call Miss Ida! \_ExitZ-E^-sY,iveeping.] [Aside.'] 

The sight may kill her, but I am rich enough to do 

without her and gratify my hate ! 
1st Police. [To Del.] This mau gave you papers which 

belong to Mrs. Delaware ? 
Del. He did. 
De Gran. I have sworn not to denounce the pei'son from 

whom I received them ! [All laugh, except the servants ] 

[Miter Ida r.] 

[^Low music, until entrance of Dr. Maxjfield.] 

Mrs. Del. [To Ida.] Girl, there is your lover ! 

Del. [To Ida. \ A common burglar ! 

Ida. [Screaming.] Ah ! — [She faints on sofa, all the servants 
surround her — De Granville tries to free himself to go to Ida. 
Policemen at a sign from Delaware, holds De Granville, mena- 
cing him with club — Del. and Mrs. Del. converse.] 

Jenny. She is dying ! Oh ! [Mrs. Del. and Del. go to 
look at Ida.] 

3Irs. Del. [Aside.] My vengeance is complete, this is the 
pallor of death ! 

Del. [To Pompey.] Eun for Dr. Mayfield ! 
[Exit Pompey c] 

1st Police. [To De Granville.] What have you done with 
the deeds ? 

Del. The bonds ? 

Mrs. Del. And my diamonds ? 

[De Granville without listening, looks totvards Ida, and tries to 
break awag. — 3Irs. Del. and Del converse with Policeman 
No.l.] 



ACT FOUETH. 95 

[Miter Rosa, (out of breath.) c] 

Hosa. [Starts at seeing 3frs. Del.} You again! [To Bell 
Have you no blood in your veins ! [To 3frs. Del.} The 
Cashier of the Safe Deposit Co., is in jail, your deeds 
of property and bonds have been found on him, but as 
you have no right to my family property. I took out an 
injunction. 

Mrs. Del. Which will pi'ove useless ! 

Jenny. [Screaming with despair.'] Ah ! 

Rosa. [Running to Ida.'] Ida, my child ! 

[Enier Shumann, c, intoxicated] 

Shumann. [To 3Irs. Del.] Here you are ! [Tries to kick her, 
Police No. 1, interposes] You gave your husband back 
the forged check and Scrapeall made use of it to ruin 
me : never fear Ruth, I'll serve you in the same way — 

Mrs. Del. [To Policeman — pointing to Shumann.] Turn that 
man out of my house ! [Police No 1, tries to put Shu- 
mann out.] 

Shumann. [Holding on talk.] Hold on, hold on ! [To 3Irs. 
Del.] Your house ! [Lmighs.] [To Del] She has 
been deceiving you ever since she became your wife — 

3Irs. Del. [To Police No. 1.] Put him out I tell you ! 

Del. [To Police No. 1.] No, let him speak ! 

Shumann. [To Del.] And for your own benefit ! [Searches 
in pocket.] There is my father s correspondence which 
proves that she was partner with us in your ruin ! [Mrs. 
Del. tries to snatch correspondence from Shumami's hand as 
Del. seizes it.] Keep that, Delaware, I do it to oblige 
you, be a man now ^nd pardon father as my mother is 
innocent ! 

Del. [To Mrs. Del.] My chains are broken ; leave, spirit 
of evil, I fear you no longer, go ! 

Rosa. [To 3Irs Del.] Forever, infernal harpy! 



96 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Jenny. [Screaming with despair.'] Her breath has stopped, 
oh ! [Rosa kneels near Ida. — De Gran, tries to hreak away.] 

3Irs. Del. [To Del.] My venom will remain in your cor- 
rupt heart and poison with remorse the days of your old 
age ! Go bury your daughter and with her your last 
hope! [At a sign from Policeman No 1, exit Mks. Del. 
and Shtjmann, c, who staggirs after her threatening.] 

Police No. 1. [Whe7i leaving, to Police No. 2, pointing to De 
Granville.] Take that man to jail, he must have kept 
the diamonds for his share. [Exit, c] 

De Gran. [Resisting Policeman, who irys to pull him along.] 
Ida !— Ida ! 

Rosa. She breathes ! — She opens her eyes ! [All seem amazed. 
Rosa runs to Policeman implores him for De Granville. Del. 
goes to Ida.] 

De Gran. [Struggling to go to Ida.] Ida ! 

Ida. [Rises as awaking frotn a dream.] Who's voice is that ! — 
Arthur! [Rushes towards De Granville, falls at his feet, kisses 
his hands. — Rising, to Policeman.] Loosen these chains, 
they bruise the purest hands, I wish it, I order it ! 

Police. [To Ida, showing a paper to sign.] Not without five 
thousand dollars bail. 

Ida. [Falling at Del.'^s knees.] He gave his blood for me ! 

Rosa. [To Del] You have the sum in your pocket ! [Con- 
verses with police.] 

Del. How did he obtain those papers? [To Police.] He 
belongs to the same gang as the other 

Ida. [Starting up, with iiidignatwn.] father ! 

Del. Five thousand ! On what guarantee ? 

Ida. His honor! [To Police.] I give a million ? [Signs 
paper tvhile police takes handcufs off De Gran.] 

Del. A million ! 

Ida. As to-day I shall be Mrs. De Granville ! [De Gran, 
and Ida embrace.] 



ACT FOURTH. 97 

[^Exit PorjCE No. 2, ivho meets Dr. May. in passage, tliey con- 
verse tojether.^ 

[JEnter Mes. Mayfield, c] 
[ While Ida and De Granville emir ace.'] 
Mrs. Maij. {To Ida.'\ Is that the way you are dying? 
Ida. He brought me back to life. 
Mrs. May. You see, the love cure never fails! \Comerses 

with Ida, Rosa, De Gran.'\ 

{Enter Dr. Mayfield, c] 
[Soldiry a newspaper.] 
Br. JIay. Hurrah, hurrah ! 
All. What is it. 
Dr. May. The National Assembly of France have voted 

the Bill of Indemnity for the victims of the war.* [Ida 

and De Gran, converse.] 
Del. [Aside] France must be made ol gold, what a great 

country ! 
Dr. May. {Shaking hands with De Gran.] Your property 

will be paid over to you, you are wealthy again, moti 

cher ! 
Bel. [Giving hand to Be Gran.] I felicitate you ; if you need 

my purse use it, although I still have debts 

De Gran. Which Ida desires to aid you in paying. 

Bel. [Starting.] And you consent to it ! At what rate, on 

what condition ? 
Hosa. {To Bel] On condition that you abjure your idol 

" The Golden Calf." 



* Bill of Indemnity passed by the National Assembly of France, 
August 8th, 1871. 



98 THE GOLDEN CALF. 

Del. {Pause, weeping — Taking Ida tn his arms.] For the God 
of your mother ! 

Ida. [Holding iJe Gran, bg the hand.] The God of love - 

De Gran. [ While Bel puts an arm about him.] And of char- 
ily! 

Bel [Holding both tenderlg in his arms.] We will pray to- 
gether for my pardon ! 

Tableait. 
End. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



017 400 126 1 • 



